I spent this afternoon with a work group that wanted to generate some ideas and actions around their work.  I wanted to share with them a number of idea generating techniques so that we could stimulate the flow of ideas. We got started by sharing some common rules on brainstorming.  I know, really brainstorming – how innovative is this.

Well, the innovative – and perhaps most useful – part comes in having the team members read these rules out loud before starting any type of idea generating session.  Some of the research around this topic suggests that groups who do this yield a greater quantity of ideas.

I’ve been a participant in these types of sessions before – and still want to add in “good job” or sometimes explore an idea – both of which will type us out of the generating mode.  There will be time for that.  So, here are my

TOP 6 Guidelines to Idea Generation and Brainstorming:

Judge Later. This is the time for the group to focus on quantity not quality.  You will have time (before implementation) where you will evaluate the ideas.  If it pops in the head, capture it.  At times, we are are biggest filter and don’t want to say the idea because it might not be good enough, or it won’t fit.  Everything counts, and everything fits during this stage.

Involve Everyone.  It’s important that all members of the group have a chance to play in the ideas sandbox.  As a facilitator it’s important to take into account personal style – Extroversion and Introversion. Use methods that will allow members to write down ideas on post-its, note cards, or while working silently with others.  Also involve methods that allow people to create the verbal synergy needed for those with more Extroversion preferences to be at their best.  It’s a conscious and intentional effort – and will yield a greater amount of ideas.

Number Your Ideas.  IDEO, a design firm, found that groups who did this during their ideas generation phase came up with more ideas. Cool.

Say Yes And. This Improv technique has made it’s way into the boardroom and meeting rooms. Simply substituting “Yes, And” in place of But will create a space that encourages ideas.  Think about the staff meeting or conversation with a coworker, as soon as “But” is uttered the story stops.  A big period.  End. Done. And then they are off to the races with their idea.  Try substituting “Yes, And” the next time – see how these two simple words will drastically change the dynamic and invite others to the conversation.

Use a Noun and a Verb. It’s important to be specific during this part of the innovation process.  The more specific you are at this point, the easier it is to remember what you meant and evaluate it later.

7 Minute Bursts. The brain has this funny way of bursting into creativity mode.  When I work with groups, I go for 7-minute jolts of energy.  After this time, I have the group step back – take a big look at what’s been captured up to this point.  Introduce another stimulus – today it was a collage of images, and then have them go at the idea generating for another 7-minutes.

Give these rules a read around before your next idea generation session and see what you can achieve. The group I was working with today generated 240 ideas in 14-minutes.  Not bad for a team of 12 trying to improve work culture.