Brainstorming should be on your radar because it …

Don’t get all wet: Avoid these brainstorming pitfalls

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"Effective Brainstorming Techniques." N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/effective-brainstorming-techniques-HA001117159.aspx>.

Hudson, Ken. "Instead of Brainstorming — Try Blitzing!" N.p., 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://drkenhudson.com/instead-of-brainstorming-try-blitzing/>.

"The New Art of Brainswarming." IdeaPaint. N.p., 18 July 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130718005302/en/IdeaPaint-Unveils-eBook-Art-Brainswarming%25E2%2584%25A2#.Ux3k_4XYMlo>.

"Who Says Brainstorming Doesn't Work?" ZURB. N.p., 5 Mar. 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://zurb.com/article/920/who-says-brainstorming-doesn-t-work>.

Sutton, Bob. "Why The New Yorker's Claim That Brainstorming Doesn't Work Is an Overstatement and Possibly Wrong." N.p., 26 Jan. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://bobsutton.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/why-the-new-yorkers-claim-that-brainstorming-doesnt-work-is-an-overstatement-and-possibly-wrong.html>.

Vozza, Stephanie. "Forget Brainstorming, Try Brainswarming Instead." Entrepreneur. N.p., 10 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228171>.

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Generates more ideas

Builds on and combines ideas

What if they think my idea is stupid?

It’s got to be a box! It’s got to be a box!

There’s no way I can think up new ideas in only 10 minutes.

BLITZING E-BRAINSTORMING TIMEBOXINGBRAINSWARMING

Are you prepared for the brainstorm ahead?

There’s sun in the forecast with a brainstorming upgrade

Social loafing

Inhibited participants

Hothousing

Anchoring

Social loafingSomeone else will pick up the slack.

Brainstorming occurs in a pre-set time period or timebox. When the time limit is reached, participants pause to evaluate ideas, summarize key pointsand refocus.

Individuals brainstorm 9 new ideas in 2 minutes and then share with the group.

Swarm, don’t storm. Small swarms work together on a problem until it is solved. Then, together, they move on to tackle the next problem.

Individuals generate ideas via computer and a facilitator compiles them and presents them to the group for appraisal.

Choose a meeting space that is … • Comfortable • Collaborative • Not typically used for other business functions

Select a facilitator that … • Has a stake in the outcome • Keeps the group on task • Eliminates social loafing and inhibition

Remember, there are bad ideas. The best ideas come from …

• Debate • Engagement • Evaluation

Accumulate a flood of ideas your organization can use by bringing brainstorming into the 21st Century

Exposes participants to new ideas

Promotes creativity

A modern approach to BRAIN STORMING