Brainstorming 101 – How to conduct an effective brainstorming session

For 40 years, the Post-it® Brand has been synonymous with brainstorms—big and small. While the general concept of brainstorming is nothing new, following some general guidelines can help maximize your session’s output. Here are a few “rules” to help keep your team focused, excited and productive.

A quick guide to brainstorming techniques and tools

1. Keep comments positive

One of the biggest disruptors to an otherwise great brainstorm is negative feedback. Instead of disagreeing with an idea, turn your attention on how to build on it or shape it in a new way.
2. Know your environment

Working in a beige office? Add a pop of color with some bright Post-it® Super Sticky Notes. Short on space? Collect ideas on Post-it® Super Sticky Easel Pads. Knowing where your brainstorm is taking place makes all the difference when generating ideas and creating energy with your team.
3. Don’t execute too early

Your session hits upon something genius. Congrats—but don’t get lost in that idea quite yet. Continue to let your creative session percolate and you can come back to the “realities” of that particular idea later. Who knows—you might just hit on an idea that’s even stronger.
4. Always look forward

Ideas are at their strongest when they’re focused on the future. Resist the impulse to kill an idea based on what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Instead, consider what can reshape today and even solve for tomorrow.
5. Get visual

Sure, you might not be a Picasso but nothing helps an idea take hold like a picture. Draw, sketch and share. Use Post-it® Brand Products to help translate what’s in your brain—whether it’s diagramming a new process, illustrating a word that keeps coming up in the conversation, or visualizing a successful outcome (complete with smiley face!).
Take your brainstorms to the next level with the Post-it® App. Stop spending hours transcribing notes, instead instantly capture, save, and share work to keep project momentum going. Also consider exploring specific brainstorming processes like mind mapping, rapid ideation and brain writing.

Find more tips visit Post-it.com/Teamwork