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“Brainstorming” is a popular method of putting forward creative ideas in the process of solving scientific, technical or any other problem, the sessions of which stimulate creative thinking. At the same time, the participants of the discussion are invited to express as many options as possible, including the most fantastic ones. The purpose of brainstorming is to get a lot of ideas without evaluating the possibility of their implementation.

The author of this creative technique is Alex Osborne (1888 – 1966) ― a famous American figure in the field of advertising. This method was proposed in 1953.

In order to avoid turning brainstorming into a chaotic process, I suggest you read the three effective rules of its organization:

1. It is necessary to express as many ideas as possible, without limiting your creativity. These can be any unusual and seemingly meaningless ideas. Also important is the speed with which ideas are expressed. For each idea expressed, reward the participant with a symbolic prize.
2. It is forbidden to evaluate and devalue ideas. This rule is necessary because a negative evaluation of any idea stops creativity. The idea of ​​”healthy criticism” is inappropriate in art. Therefore, before brainstorming, agree with the participants that anyone who expresses any assessment or devalues ​​any idea pays a fine.

3. Brainstorming must be controlled. After you have explained what the problem is, give the team time for everyone to ask clarifying questions, try to answer these questions as accurately as possible. Explain that anyone who wants to speak must raise their hand, and you will give them the floor. If the participants interrupt each other, it will create chaos. Give the floor in turn. You need to turn this action into a game. If you succeed, you will see a display of enthusiasm, passion and hear many wonderful ideas. After the brainstorming, some member of your team should record all the voiced ideas.

Do you believe in the effectiveness of the “brainstorm”?