Brainstorming is this renowned method that allows us to deliver numerous ideas by letting people express themself without thinking.
The brainstorming method was invented in 1935 by the not-so-famous Alex Osborn. Nowadays, it’s a collaborative technique that has seduced all types of businesses.
But everyone knows what brainstorming is. Are you able to set up an optimal brainstorming session for your team?
Several brainstorming methods exist, one of which is very popular: the Popcorn method. I’m sure I don’t need to draw you a picture… Ideas pop everywhere, like popcorn in a microwave!
Decryption in 5 steps:
Step 1. Remember the game rules
Brainstorming is not a classic meeting; it’s a creative workshop. So, remember to give a little reminder of what to do and how to do it.
- Write down all your ideas! Whether the idea is bizarre or a joke, or even if it’s totally crazy, write down everything! Nobody knows what you could get out of it…
- Always try to keep the discussion moving forward. To do this, one must minimize private discussions, which will only slow down the process.
- Everyone should avoid criticism. There is no doubt that all ideas won’t be good to keep. On the other hand, keep your opinion to yourself in order to leave everyone at ease during the brainstorming.
- No evaluation yet! You will have plenty of time to do it once everyone runs out of ideas.
Step 2. Introduce the subject
An essential step of any meeting is the subject presentation. Be sure that everyone has understood the topic so that the brainstorming remains properly framed throughout the workshop. To be sure of that, you can turn your brainstorming topic into questions, starting with why, how, or what.
Step 3. A minute of silence.
No, it’s not a joke! Give everyone time to think quietly about the subject for a few minutes before starting to think as a team.
Step 4. Let’s go!
Is your scribe ready? Because it’s his moment! It’s time to let everyone express themselves and share ideas out loud. You can also brainstorm using Post-its. However, be aware that your collaborators will not be able to bounce on others’ ideas, and you may end up losing in the end. We let you choose.
Step 5. Coffee break and clarification
Once everyone runs out of ideas, it’s time for a break! After the break, bring your contributors back to the meeting room and review all the ideas. It’s time for sorting! Clarify ideas, remove duplicates, and identify possible synergies between ideas.
And now, you have all the important information to organize your first brainstorming!
By the way, we advise you never to make meetings last more than 90 minutes. Do not hesitate to take a break in the middle; everyone will come back more concentrated!
You can also organize your own Popcorn brainstorming using Beekast!
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