There are few things more frustrating than feeling like you’re stuck in a rut, creatively speaking. Whether you’re a writer struggling to find your next great story idea, an artist searching for inspiration, or a business owner trying to come up with a new product or service, we’ve all been there. Luckily, there’s one tried and true method for getting those creative juices flowing: brainstorming.
Brainstorming is a great way to generate new ideas, but it only works if you do it correctly. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on how to brainstorm like a pro. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Choose the Right People
One of the most important factors in having a successful brainstorming session is choosing the right people to participate. When picking participants, look for people who are:
- Open-minded: The best brainstorming sessions are those where participants feel comfortable freely sharing their ideas, no matter how “out there” they may seem. If everyone in the room is too afraid to share their wackiest ideas, you’re likely to end up with a lot of safe, uninspired ideas.
- Diverse: Try to include people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in your brainstorming session. A group of people with different points of view is more likely to come up with innovative solutions than a homogenous group.
- Positive: Brainstorming sessions can sometimes get heated as people fight for their favorite ideas. It’s important to have participants who are able to stay positive and constructive even when things get tough.
Get Comfortable
One of the reasons so many brainstorming sessions fail is that participants aren’t comfortable enough. If people feel like they’re being judged or that their ideas won’t be taken seriously, they’re likely to clam up and hold back their best ideas. To create a comfortable environment, make sure to do the following:
- Set ground rules: Before beginning your brainstorming session, agree on some ground rules with your participants. For example, you might agree that no idea is a bad idea or that everyone will have a chance to share their ideas before any decisions are made.
- Encourage creativity: When it comes time to actually start brainstorming, encourage your participants to think outside the box. The more creative an idea is, the better!
- Keep it relaxed: Finally, try to keep the atmosphere as relaxed as possible. If people are too stressed out, they won’t be able to think creatively. Dim the lights, play some soft music in the background and provide snacks and drinks if possible.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can set yourself up for success when it comes time to brainstorm your next big project. Who knows? With a little help from our guide, maybe you’ll come up with the next big thing!