Brainstorms produce nothing new
Brainstorming sessions often fail to generate truly novel ideas, resulting in incremental improvements rather than breakthrough innovations.
Acknowledge the Stagnation
'I'm noticing that we seem to be circling around similar ideas. It feels like we're not quite breaking through to something truly new.' This acknowledges the problem without blaming anyone. It opens the door for a shift in approach.
Introduce a Constraint
'Let's try a different approach. For the next 5 minutes, let's focus on ideas that are completely unrealistic or impossible.' This forces participants to think outside the box and break free from conventional thinking. Explain that the goal is not to find implementable solutions *immediately*, but to generate a wider range of possibilities.
Use 'Worst Possible Idea' Technique
'Now, instead of good ideas, let's brainstorm the *worst* possible ideas to solve this problem. What would be the most ridiculous, ineffective, or even harmful solutions?' This paradoxical approach can unlock creativity by removing the pressure to be 'right' and revealing hidden assumptions.
Employ the SCAMPER Technique (Quick Version)
'Let's rapidly run through SCAMPER. What can we Substitute? Combine? Adapt? Modify/Magnify/Minimize? Put to other uses? Eliminate? Reverse? Let's spend one minute on each letter, quickly shouting out ideas.' This structured approach can stimulate different perspectives and generate new angles on the problem.
Shift to Individual Brainwriting
'Okay, let's take a few minutes for individual brainwriting. Everyone grab a piece of paper. For the next 3 minutes, write down as many ideas as you can, no matter how crazy they seem. No talking. Just individual thought.' This allows quieter participants to contribute without being overshadowed and encourages a wider range of ideas.
Idea Rotation & Building
'Now, pass your paper to the person on your right. Take one minute to read the ideas on the new paper and add to them. Build on what's already there or add entirely new ideas inspired by what you see.' Continue this rotation for a few rounds.
Synthesize and Prioritize
'Okay, let's take a look at what we've generated. What are the common themes? What are the most promising or interesting ideas? Let's quickly vote on the top 3 ideas to explore further.' This step brings the session back to a productive focus.
Document all ideas
Even the 'bad' ones can spark future innovation.
Assign someone to develop the top 3 ideas further
Give them a specific deadline and resources.
Debrief the session
What worked well? What could be improved for next time? Get feedback from participants.
Consider alternative brainstorming techniques for future sessions
Research methods like 'Six Thinking Hats' or 'Design Thinking' to add variety and structure.
- Ideas are repetitive and similar to existing solutions.
- Participants dominate the conversation, stifling quieter voices.
- The session feels unproductive and lacks energy.
- Ideas are vague and lack concrete details.
- Participants are hesitant to share unconventional or risky ideas.
- The session devolves into problem-solving rather than idea generation.
- No clear next steps or action items are identified after the session.
- Lack of psychological safety, preventing participants from sharing unconventional ideas.
- Dominance of a few individuals, silencing other voices and perspectives.
- Insufficient preparation and lack of foundational knowledge.
- Poor facilitation, failing to guide the brainstorming process effectively.
- Premature evaluation of ideas, discouraging creativity and risk-taking.
- Groupthink, leading to conformity and a lack of diverse perspectives.
- Unclear objectives and a lack of focus, resulting in unfocused brainstorming.