What is it particularly suitable for

• Find many ideas - mass before class
• Simple questions, not complex problems
• When a linguistic solution is required (names, slogans ...)

Why we love it

People do not think linearly, but spontaneously, impulsively and emotionally. This is exactly what brainstorming is based on. If done correctly, it works against competitive thinking, status differences and fear of embarrassment. It is relatively easy to carry out and is usually fun!

Procedure

The basics are actually known to every presenter. Adhering to them with vigor is the key to success.

• Before the session: Ensure relaxation. Avoid stress and (deadline) pressure for your participants. This can be supported, for example, by the choice of words in your invitation email, a pleasant location or which date is chosen for the brainstorming session.
• Fodder for the brain: To start, a brief but good knowledge base on the underlying problem and the current issue is necessary. Do not go into too much detail. In particular, participants may not need to know the constraints that apply to the topic. Sort out non-possible suggestions later. Rather, plan time for questions.

• The crux of the matter: Give the participants freedom by giving them rules.

  • Say it all! The more unusual, the better. A "bullshit" rate of > 80% is perfectly normal for good brainstorming. The pasta strainer will come later.
  • Run! The more ideas, the better. Just keep "producing" even if your ideas seem too obvious and mundane at first. The point is to get into flow.
  • I dare you! If something new is to come out, you also have to go new ways.
  • No criticism! Add to and improve existing ideas. Instead of saying "no", go with it and think about how it could work differently.
• Warm-up: Creativity lies outside your comfort zone. Therefore, take your participants a bit beyond their limit. Sensitivity to the group is needed here. For example, "In pairs, play two friends who haven't seen each other in a long time, talking in a fantasy language." And then have the group "babble" in duets. Important: You yourself should feel really comfortable with the exercise. Only then can you helpfully encourage.
• Triggers: Unfamiliar things open up new paths of thinking. Offer your participants a well-considered trigger for the subsequent brainstorming. This can be pictures, stories, questions, objects, etc. A favourite of ours: building with Lego® in an adapted form. This is playful, fun, stimulates completely different brain regions and is new and unfamiliar for many. -> Kills four birds with one stone.
• Inspire and associate: Always the same methods lead to always the same ideas. Therefore alternate methods. Also involve the body (standing, sitting, walking) and let different brain regions work (writing with links, thinking aloud, painting) and alternate the composition (individual work, in small groups, all together).All ideas should be documented.
• Evaluate ideas: Now it is allowed to evaluate, select and prioritize in an appreciative way. Keep the attitude of "developing ideas instead of criticizing them".

Insider tips or "this is what we think is important".

Every human being is constantly evaluating. From a biological point of view, this makes sense and is vital, but in brainstorming it is the disruptive factor par excellence. As a moderator, you have the greatest influence: You already have a thousand reasons in your head why something doesn't work. But your participants should not feel this! Even if they are impossible, be happy about unusual ideas, then more of them will come! To temporarily put the inner evaluator on mute, you can support it with an image: "The inner evaluator is important and works around the clock. Why don't you send him on vacation for the time of the brainstorming session so that he can make good decisions again afterwards? He's earned it. Right now, he's just being disruptive."
Finding good triggers is an art and a method all its own. However, it's encouraging to think that it's not a disaster if a trigger doesn't work. Every group reacts differently. Just make new offers in a next round.

Attitude

• While the others are talking, the participants are usually busy trying to remember their ideas for later, instead of thinking freely and firing up the brainstorming. Participants should internalize that the point is to let their thoughts run free.
• We'll repeat it again because it's so important: "Develop ideas instead of criticizing them."
• And last but not least: fun is desired!

By the way: For a better readability we change the gender form per method.