5 Techniques for Effective Brainstorming

All projects and jobs that anyone sets out to do requires some level of brainstorming or another. This includes the phone based customer service agent, the company janitorial team, and the CEO alike.

No matter how big a position, how important you feel their role may or may not be, or the content in which is being decided, brainstorming is the methods that have been utilized to get that project completed. What you make per hour, the amount of schooling, and length of time at the job have no bearing in brainstorming.

Types of Brainstorming

Since its invention in 1953, brainstorming has made changes that, Alex Osborn (a creator himself) had never envisioned. One of the very first variations that became known was in regards to how brainstorming became completed. Those include the individual brainstorming session or a group brainstorming session.

Brainstorming Method Variations

Before we can begin brainstorming techniques we must first make certain that everyone knows some of the different types of brainstorming. For this clarification we are sticking to the basic and most common of the types; the reason for this being that once the type of brainstorming has been selected then it is much easier in which to expand effectively. The list to follow are these key types of brainstorming.

  • The Group Nominal Brainstorming Method
  • The Group Passing Brainstorming Methods
  • Electronic Medium Brainstorming Methods
  • Questioned Based Brainstorming Methods
  • Diagramming the Mental Methods of Brainstorming
  • Group Idea Mapping Brainstorming Methods
  • 635 Method of Group Brainstorming
  • Quadrant Based Affinity Method of Brainstorming
  • Reverse Based Methods of Brainstorming
  • Brainstorming in a Round Robin Based Method

Effective Brainstorming Techniques

What is an effective brainstorming technique exactly? Honestly speaking, there is no actual definitive answer to this question as brainstorming is a creative endeavor that one or a group  utilizes at the beginning or start of a project to decided what the final outcome shall be once done.

The project at hand also plays a huge factor in the overall effectiveness of the brainstorming techniques that will work the best. Here we are demonstrating and sharing our top five techniques for brainstorming ideas and brainstorming methods.

Creative Brainstorming Techniques for Groups

The primary purpose behind group brainstorming activities is to format a technique that all can mutually agree to that will have them ending up with a grouping of ideas, tips, and examples that could possibly be used toward an end result that has been requested.

Group brainstorming techniques and team brainstorming are virtually the exact same thing in regards to the manners we have sought out to share with the dominant difference being the number of people that have been selected to work together towards the creative endeavor that will be the final result submitted.

How to Brainstorm Ideas Effectively

Get Every Idea Down

A primary methods of brainstorming that must be adhered to for prime effectiveness is to write or draw out each and every idea that is bounced around, even those that do not initially sound as if they will work. As the process goes along you might be surprised how often the ideas that sounded as if not the best will become the greats.

Super Mascot to the Rescue

For business ideas turn your company mascot into a superhero or super-villain. Approach brainstorming using the skill sets found within the Super Mascot. For example, you are a part of the McDonald’s Corporation which gives you Ronald as a mascot. Today Ronald has the ability to absorb the powers of others and has selected the Incredible Hulk.

Approach this brainstorming session answering, “how could Ronald’s super strength handle this case” or “what benefits would be made available if green.” Continue in this nature using all the various super powers.

Change Your Space

Often all it takes to get the creative juices flowing is to change the space in which you have been working. No huge change required just get a new set of walls. If possible take a walk, the fresh air and exercise are great motivators that can help the creative juices flow. If your boss will allow it and one is near move your brainstorming session to a nearby park.

Think as if SWOT

Thinking and brainstorming as if SWOT allows for an easier time in evaluating the needs in a positive and negative manner. Placing your focus on areas both within and without of the company and the environments in which wanting to assist are other areas that this method is most effective.


Envision Yourself As Others

This technique is the one that is seems to be the most effective method of those everyone has ever tried. Here they key is to put yourself in the shoes of someone else. The purpose is to think as they thought or would think. Great means to look at things from a varying perspective or nature. Some examples of shoes that have worked well have been those that follow. This role play can place you in the shoes of literally anyone real, alive, fictitious, and more.

  • Ghandi,
  • Yoda,
  • Mother Theresa,
  • Captain Kirk,
  • Luke Skywalker,
  • Emily Dickinson,
  • Christopher Robin.

Make Those Meeting Schedules

Well, we have found that to make the schedules for meetings and company members is not always such an easy task. No worries as there are a number of helpful programs out to take this a snap with no added stress or pressure. Workly is also an answer for the companies time and attendance software needs. Sign up today allows for a free fourteen day trial thus making it a win win all the way around.