6 Important Rules of Brainstorming
"Inventions are not solely the making of material things, inventions are also the mental unleashing of ideas by a genius with a sixth sense. "
Brainstorming is an instrument of creating ideas and sharing an understanding to solve a problem. Here, people are asked to continuously think. Brainstorming is a group activity where everyone can share their ideas as soon as the ideas come to mind.
To brainstorm is to think about and try to come up with ideas or solutions to a problem, either on your own or in a group. ...For example- When you suddenly come up with an idea for a new electronic device, seemingly out of nowhere, this is an example of brainstorm.
But, during this process, there are certain rules of brainstorming, which make it effective and positive.
Brainstorming Effectivity:
Brainstorming has many advantages and has proven to be very effective for the brain and body. It allows you to develop practical thinking skills, analytical skills, and personality growth."Take a few minutes out of your schedule now and then and remind yourself why you can achieve your goals. Make sure that your brain is getting enough training in seeing you and your business as a success and as a winner and not as a failure".
Rule 1: Don't Criticize what others ideas:
We all have sailed across different boats in the ocean of life and we all view situations differently. A table that is heavy for one person may be light for the other one. Similarly, a situation that is difficult for one person may be an easy task for the other person. Everyone purviews life differently through their unique perspectives. Everyone is attracted to different things, tastes, thoughts due to background and caste differences. Also, we are all brought up differently. So the lesson is to never judge anyone. Perhaps the first rule of brainstorming is not to criticize the other person's idea. Their idea may seem futile or irrelevant to you, but remember that you should respect that.
Rule 2: Quantity of Ideas:
Another rule comes along with a technique known as rapid ideation. This involves getting quick ideas from the selected group of people during brainstorming. There should be no restrictions on the ideal pattern. In whichever way they come, they would be encouraged. The key is to allow them to explore their mind and all the creativity that resides in them. The best personality development mentor could play a key role in helping people identify ideas while thinking.
Rule 3: Document Everything:
In the book, the thumb rule to make meetings successful is to take notes. During this time, do not try to find the best idea out of the box. This is completely irrelevant for brainstorming activities.
There should be a proper document to write all the rough ideas. This task can be allotted to someone in the group as well. But remember that you do not have to find the best idea...you do not have any choice from the list at this stage. Let all the possible ideas come in. Do not filter them out in any way.
Also, do not forget to share a copy of this document with everyone so that they can modify and add to their idea more.
Rule 4: Combining Ideas:
After having different ideas and noting them down, the next step is to choose from them in a way that is most useful and effective. We need to combine the ideas and work on them. Perhaps, this is the important rule of brainstorming. This fosters a mix of ideas and perspectives which would lead to the most fruitful outcomes possible. Well, yes this is how you can obtain maximum brainstorming.
Rule 5 : Visual Thinking:
After processing and combining a mix of ideas, you would reach the solution. At this stage, clear visual thinking, maybe in the form of a presentation or attractive template would empower your idea and also give clarity of expression. Visual thinking intensifies brainstorming and personality development skills.
Rule 6: Diversity:
People with numerous disciplines and experience should be included in the brainstorming session. Their diversity will give an increase to diverse thinking. It is very essential to create a room for out-of-box thinking. The out-of-box thinking means thinking extraordinary ideas in ordinary situations. Also, the people should be divided into small groups with each having a separate leader to guide and encourage throughout brainstorming sessions. This leadership style leads to better monitoring of the solutions and initiatives that can be taken.
Creativity is a natural resource. It comes as standard equipment with being human. But our creativity becomes dull and nonresponsive without constant care and feeding. Continuous brainstorming and thinking would give you excellent skills as a human being.