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In other words, creating an environment using strategies that encourage the best ideas from everyone.  When everyone feels heard and valued the possibilities are endless.

Brainstorming in recent times has had some criticism but if used wisely it is still an effective means to gain input and a range of ideas from participants. The answer lies in managing the process efficiently. Lets look at examples.

The Session is arranged, you are gathered with your team, the goal is to, extract ideas, develop strategies, banter, speculate and find solutions to a problem. Of-course, as a reward for participating, morning tea is provided! And don’t forget those sugary sweeties strategically placed on the table. 

Lets get started the Session Facilitator announces enthusiastically. Don’t hold back, shout out your thoughts, the more the better and crazy and wild ideas are not discouraged or disregarded.  Who can forget the Brainstorming mantra 'no idea is a bad idea'! Anything is acceptable in this frantic environment!

And haven’t we all been to a Session where the loudest voice is heard, the most confident hog the agenda and/or the session becomes a free-for-all that sinks into chaos, often ending with groupthink decisions. The results can be mixed, and participants react by loving or loathing the experience. You might find yourself thinking was it worth it!

But there are techniques you can adopt, and steps if followed will make the Session a success!

Yes, unlock the power of Brainstorming by adopting strategies that get the best ideas from everyone. And isn't that what it’s all about? 

Here are 5 Steps you can adopt:

Step 1: The Role of Leadership in encouraging active participation

Leaders lead by creating a safe space for ideas, fostering a collaborative environment, and encouraging problem-solving. All participants have the opportunity to contribute, to be heard and acknowledged. Everyone has a part to play and is valued. 

Step 2: Set clear objectives and provide context for Productive Brainstorming Sessions

This is about stating the session goals, providing relevant details, background information and defining problem statements.  Importantly setting expectations.  This format captures the purpose and reason for the Session.

Step 3: Using Facilitation Techniques to Maximise Engagement and Participation

The Facilitator's role is critical to ensure the loudest and quietest participants are encouraged and able to express their thoughts and be heard equally. Everyone can contribute to developing solutions to a problem, challenge or opportunity.  An independent Facilitator is recommended to provide impartiality and inclusiveness. This also divests Management from the agenda. 

The Brainstorming process requires effective communication skills. Active listening, open-ended questions, recognition and acknowledgment will foster and generate ideas with organized discussion. This format allows for lively, robust debate without pressure to confirm and avoids disruption and chaos.

Step 4: Brainstorming Methods to achieve Optimal Results

Adopt Brainstorming processes to suit the situation. These can be structured techniques like mind-mapping and SWOT analysis or unstructured methods like free association and random word association. Brainstorming as a group or Brain-swarming individually are both effective methods and play a part in many workplaces. Importantly manage the processes effectively to get the best input and outcomes.

Step 5: Conduct a Brainstorming Session to develop Strategies and Ideas

With the changing economic and trading landscape are you one of the Businesses looking for new ideas, new ways to do business to get ahead?

And do you want to stay competitive, gain more market share or test new products then what better way than to bring the Team together for a Brainstorming Session? Generate ideas, bounce around with suggestions and who knows what can be gained, problems solved, and opportunities discovered and explored?Need a Facilitator contact Blackburn Accounting.

In conclusion, follow these steps to harness the full potential of a Brainstorming session to generate innovative ideas and find answers to even the most complex challenges. Remember, when everyone feels heard and valued the possibilities are endless!