Ultimate Brainstorming Workbook

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Its meant for Facilitators.An exhaustive work, in my view.

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    Creative English

    publishing

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    Ultimate Brainstorming Workbook

    by

    Arthur kaptein

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    Copyright 2014 by Arthur Kaptein

    All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction

    In whole or in part in any form

    First edition July 2014

    Published by Creative English Publishing

    www.UltimateBrainstorming.com

    ISBN-13:

    978-1499228700

    ISBN-10:

    1499228708

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    Contents

    Welcome to the ultimate brainstorming workbook

    Page 7

    About ultimate brainstorming

    Page 9

    Using this workbook

    Page 11

    The 9 key steps

    Page 13

    Key Step 1; set your focus

    Page 15

    Key Step 2; know your boundaries

    Page 19

    Key Step 3; invite the right people

    Page 23

    Key Step 4; select a location

    Page 27

    Key Step 5; select techniques for the session

    Page 31

    Key Step 6; prepare the participants

    Page 35

    Key Step 7; prepare the location

    Page 39

    Key Step 8; run the session

    Page 43

    1: Start the Session

    2: Start Brainstorming

    3: Evaluate, plan, and Look Back

    Key Step 9; follow up

    Page 67

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    Welcome to

    Ultimate Brainstorming Workbook

    Thank you for your interest in our Ultimate Brainstorming Workbook

    One very significant lesson we have learned is the importance of well-prepared Brainstorming Sessions. Well prepared Brainstorming Sessions:

    1) Create an environment where creative thinking is the norm!!! 2) Get the best ideas from the participants during any Brainstorming Session!!! 3) Promote open communication in any organization!!!

    With this workbook wed like to support you to create well-prepared Brainstorming Sessions that are not a waste of time, but add value to you and your organization.

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    About ultimate brainstorming

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    Ultimate Brainstorming looks at Brainstorming as part of a bigger process, not as being THE process. We believe that if you want to make Brainstorming work in any organization, you will have to use brainstorming as part of an overall process. The Ultimate Brainstorming Workbook has been created for those who are looking for a truly structured approach to prepare their Brainstorming Sessions. This workbook has been created as a handy support workbook next to Ultimate Brainstorming, but can also be used on a stand-alone basis. Visit www.UltimateBrainstorming.com for more information. We hope you will enjoy using this workbook as an extra support before, during, and after your Brainstorming Session. Arthur Kaptein.

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    Using this workbook

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    This workbook examines the 9 key steps to prepare a Brainstorming Session as

    presented in Ultimate Brainstorming. Its purpose is to help you learn and

    apply the information and ideas presented in the book to your own Brainstorming Sessions. As you go through this workbook, think about how the key steps can be applied to your own Brainstorming Sessions. The sections in the workbook follow the format described below: A. KEY STEPS: The key steps are steps taken directly from Ultimate Brainstorming. B. FROM THE BOOK: These are memorable quotes taken directly from the book. They connect directly to the sections key steps and will give you extra food for thought to prepare your Brainstorming Session.. C. ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT: These sections have been taken directly from the Ultimate Brainstorming book to describe the key steps in greater detail. D. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: These questions are designed to help you apply the key steps to your own Brainstorming Sessions. E. DOS AND DONTS: Gives you some practical tips for applying the steps that have been provided.

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    The 9 key steps

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    Listed below are the 9 key steps we will explore in the Ultimate Brainstorming workbook. On the following pages you will find comprehensive information on each key step, as well as thought provoking questions to prepare your Brainstorming Session.

    Key Step 1; set your focus

    What is the statement for the session?

    Key Step 2; know your boundaries

    What resources are available?

    Key Step 3; invite the right people

    Who do we really need in the session?

    Key Step 4; select a location

    Where can we get the best results?

    Key Step 5; select techniques for the session

    What techniques are right for the session?

    Key Step 6; prepare the participants

    How will the participants be prepared?

    Key Step 7; prepare the location

    What do I need for the location?

    Key Step 8; run the session

    How will the session be run?

    Key Step 9; follow up

    How will follow up take place?

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    Key Step 1; Set your focus

    From the book

    Ensure the team understands the problem and clarify the aim of the brainstorming session before you open up for ideas.

    - Chris Griffiths -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    A brainstorming session should be targeted to a specific topic or else you run the risk of ending up with too many ideas, which cannot be used. You should define the problem area or the opportunity area you want to work on before starting the Brainstorming session.

    Create a statement The best way to do this is to create a goal statement, mission statement, or vision statement describing the opportunity area or problem area you want to work on. You can create a statement on forehand when the topic for the session can be clearly defined. Or use it as an icebreaker if there are still some doubts about the central topic of the brainstorming session. Creating a statement with the participants will create extra involvement.

    Present the statement Always present the created statement before the session. When known, send out the statement to the participants with the invitation for the session. If you do not have the statement ready when sending out the invites, inform the participants that a statement for the session will follow.

    Look back at the statement After the session has ended, you can look back at the statement to see if the goals have been reached.

    A clear focus will get you clear ideas. And even if your brainstorming session will be used to come up with general ideas you should create one of the three statements. Since there is always a goal there should always be a statement created for the session.

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    What is the statement for the session?

    Questions:

    Write down three areas that you would like to Brainstorm around: 1:

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    Create a short statement for each area: 1:

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    Choose one statement to build your Brainstorming session around: (Make sure your statement for the Brainstorming Session is Specific, Measurable, Action oriented, Realistic, Time bound)

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    Set your focus dos and donts

    Do create a clear statement to describe the goal of your Brainstorming!!! Do present your statement before the Brainstorming session starts!!! Do look back at the statement after the Brainstorming session!!!

    dont Brainstorm if there is no clear objective for the session!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 2; Know your boundaries

    From the book

    Whats more, assuming that There are no constraints! is crazy, because every real-life situation comes with many, very real constraints.

    - Shawn T. Coyne -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    Make sure to know what the boundaries are for the brainstorming session. What resources can you work with to generate ideas? What is of limit? Some people might say that setting boundaries can limit a session, and of course it might limit the creation of ideas. On the other side however, nothing is more frustrating than spending a day of brainstorming, coming up with great ideas, evaluating them in order to create an action plan for your best ideas, and then come to the conclusion that your idea will not be executed due to a lack of resources.

    What resources are available? As a facilitator creating a list of available resources is an important part of the preparation of a brainstorming session. Try to create a complete list of resources that the organization is willing to commit to the brainstorming session.

    What is off limit? When brainstorming for change it is good to know what areas are off limit. This will prevent brainstorming sessions from coming up with ideas that are doomed on forehand.

    Is there a framework? Some organizations use special frameworks for their decision making process. If there are, make sure to use them. Otherwise you run the risk ending up with a plan that cannot be executed due to the form you present it in.

    So if there are specific limitations, they should be presented to the participants at the start of the session, and they should be known to the facilitator. Of course once shared, management and/or leadership will have to commit to the outcomes of the brainstorming session.

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    What resources are available?

    Questions:

    List the resources that are available to Brainstorm around your opportunity, or problem statement:

    List the areas that you know are off limit: _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    If there is a special framework in use that your organization uses to work out opportunities, or problems, describe that framework below: _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Know your boundaries dos and donts

    Do make a list of what resources are available!!! Do make sure you know what is off limit!!! Do know what the framework is you have to work with, if there is one!!!

    dont pretend that there are no boundaries, there are always boundaries!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 3; Invite the right people

    From the book

    Brainstorming works best when there is diversity in the group, with some people who are very familiar with the issue or topic at hand and some outsiders who can

    look at it with "fresh eyes".

    - Bob Cother -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    Now you know what the goal is for the brainstorming session, and what resources you will have available to work with, you can start thinking about who you need to invite for the session to make it a success.

    One department Gathering a group of participants from within one department is the common way to create a group of participants. When working on a financial topic, gather people from the finance department. When working on an HR topic, gather people from the HR department. (Although this can work, we would advise to mix in a few outsiders for a different perspective on the topic at hand)

    Managers from different departments Invite the heads from different departments if you need maximum decision power during the brainstorming session, for example during a strategic planning session. Off course it is advisable for the managers to conduct short brainstorming sessions with their teams before, this in order to create a strong platform, as well as extra buy in when final decisions have to be executed.

    A Team and Mix it Invite the team you work with, and mix in a few outsiders. Outsiders could be people from departments that might not be directly involved in the topic at hand, but might pay a supportive role in the future. All too often people overlook the importance of involving someone from different areas, HR training department (trainings might be needed), IT (technical changes might be needed), Finance (to create a clear financial picture) etc,

    Of course it all depends on the goal of the session, what type of group you will invite. But always make sure to make a short list of the key participants that have to be in the session to make it successful, and build around that group of key participants.

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    Who do we really need in the session?

    Questions:

    Who are the key players you need in the Brainstorming Session to make it a success? Why?

    Name: Why: Email/phone:

    Name: Why: Email/phone:

    Name: Why: Email/phone:

    Name: Why: Email/phone:

    Name: Why: Email/phone:

    (Copy this page. depending on the number of persons you are going to invite)

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    Who do we really need in the session?

    Create an invite for your Brainstorming Session that is appealing to the persons you need in your session to make it a success.

    Subject

    Date: Time: Location:

    Invite

    (You can finish your invite after you pick a location for your Brainstorming Session in key step 4, page 28)

    Invite the right people dos and donts

    Do make sure that you know clearly why you want to invite certain people!!! Do create an appealing invite!!! Do include a clear description of the goal of the session!!!

    dont invite people that add no value to the session!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 4; Select a location

    From the book

    .Space is one of those unsung heroes in brainstorming sessions. People may be surprised at how influential space can be on the output of a session,

    - Sunni Brown -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    The location where you have your brainstorming session can be of great influence when holding your session. The participants should be at a location that has minimal distractions. If you have the possibility to hold the brainstorming session away from the office, do it!!

    On-site When you have only a short time for holding your brainstorming session (2 to 3 hours), an on-site session will be the best solution. However the main problem with on-site brainstorming is however that people might be their physically, but their minds will be at their workspace. In this situation make sure phones are turned off, as well as laptops.

    Off-site When you have 4 to 6 hours or more, you should consider holding the session off-site. Off-site you can eliminate a lot of distractions in order to make sure the participants are truly present during the session.

    Combination Another option is to combine the two, starting on-site, and then go off-site. This is a great option if you want to take a look at the problem, opportunity at hand, in order to have all participants focus on what is truly important during the session.

    Much will depend on the time and resources available. But no matter where you hold the session, always make sure to create a comfortable environment, as well as a relaxing atmosphere.

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    Where can we get the best results?

    Questions:

    What is the time you have available for your session and what is your budget?

    Time available: Budget available:

    Where will you hold the session? Why?

    On-site / off-site On-site / off-site

    Location:

    Reason 1:

    Reason 2:

    Reason 3:

    (Once you have selected the location for your brainstorming Session, you can finish your invite, key step 3, page 25

    and send it out to the participants. Send out the invite by email, as well as physical mail)

    Select a location dos and donts

    Do set clear rules when you are on-site!!!

    Do go off-site whenever possible!!! Do make sure the space connects to your objective!!!

    dont let participants return to their workplace when working on-site!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 5; Select techniques for the session

    From the book

    Go into the facilitation session with a meticulously designed agenda, knowing full well that you may need to turn on a dime.

    - Sunni Brown -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    To run a great session, you need a well prepared plan.

    How will I capture the ideas? The best way to capture the ideas is to appoint a scribe to capture them, so you as the facilitator dont have to write down ideas while managing the group. Otherwise you can always collect the ideas in an organized manner and work those out after the session.

    What techniques will I use? Choose an icebreaker to warm up the participants for the brainstorming Session. Make sure that the icebreaker you choose matches your objective. For example; Use a getting to know you icebreaker like Talk Show Host when the participants are not familiar with each other. Use an icebreaker like Hybrids to familiarize the participants with the concept of building on each others ideas. Use an icebreaker that has meaning for the session. All too often participants complain that the warming up made no sense and was a waste of time, try to avoid this.

    Choose a brainstorming and evaluation technique that can help you reach your objective. Most important when choosing a technique is the time you have available for your session, as well as the central topic of the session, and of course the participants that take part in the brainstorming session. Make sure to have a backup technique available in case the participants get stuck during the session.

    How will I follow up? Decide before the session how to follow up:

    1: Will there be an extra brainstorming session? 2: Will you use short follow up meetings, daily where the participants will explain what they did, what they will do, and what is holding them back? 3: Or will you follow up by email?

    No matter how you follow up, follow up has to take place.

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    What techniques are right for the session?

    Questions:

    How will you capture the ideas generated during the session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    What Icebreaker will you use to warm up the participants? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    (You can work out the Icebreaker in greater detail on page 45, key step 8)

    What Brainstorming technique will you use? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    (You can work out the Brainstorming technique in greater detail on page 52, key step 8)

    What is your back up Brainstorming technique in case the session hits a dead end? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    (You can work out the back up Brainstorming technique in greater detail on page 54, key step 8)

    How will you follow up after the session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Select techniques for the session dos and donts

    Do know how you will capture the generated ideas!!! Do prepare different techniques for your Brainstorming session!!! Do know how to follow up before starting your Brainstorming Session!!!

    dont ever go into a Brainstorming Session unprepared!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 6; Prepare the participants

    From the book

    .Remember, a well-organized brainstorming process keeps everything flowing, but a random one creates chaos.

    - Chris Griffiths -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    Once you know where and when your brainstorming session will take place, you know the boundaries and how you will run the session, as well as whom you will invite to the session, then it is time to start sending out the invitations for your brainstorming session. Send out your invites by email telling people the time and the place, and ask them to confirm if they will be present or not.

    Training When time and resources are available, have a special brainstorming training session with the participants in order to prepare them for their brainstorming session. Not only will this prepare the group of participants for the final session, it will also give you the opportunity to see how the group interacts with each other. If there are extremely big egos in the group you can have a short talk with them after the training session, to explain that there will be no place for that behavior during the brainstorming session (dont do this in public during the preparation stage).

    Email Always give the participants the opportunity to do some individual brainstorming before the session by emailing the topic on forehand. This will give the participants time to do extra research on the topic that will be the main focus of your session. And as a result you will be working with a group of well-prepared participants.

    Icebreaker Use an icebreaker at the start of the session to prepare the participants for the brainstorming part of the session. You might want to let the group work on a small issue they face before jumping into the main topic. Again, make the icebreaker connect to the session.

    A good preparation of the participants of your brainstorming session is as important as the session itself. Dont expect miracles if the participants dont know what is being expected from them!!!

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    How will the participants be prepared?

    Questions:

    How will you prepare the participants for the Brainstorming Session? 1: training 2: email 3: icebreaker

    Prepare the participants dos and donts

    Do prepare the participants before you start Brainstorming!!! Do email a clear goal statement to the participants so they can do some

    individual Brainstorming before the session!!!

    Do always start your main Brainstorming Session with an Icebreaker!!!

    dont jump into the Brainstorming Session without any form of preparation and/or warm up!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 7; Prepare the location

    From the book

    It also helps if the room has natural light, a way to accommodate solitude, pleasant smells, multiple points of entry and exit, and easy access to the

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    - Sunni Brown -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    Now it is time to prepare the location for the session. Of course there are quite some differences when preparing an on-site or off-site session. That is why we will take a look at the preparation of each location separately.

    On-Site Location When preparing an on-site location make sure to check the space before you have your session, check for; size, furniture available, outlets for equipment, space for activities. Be creative if you have limited resources. All too often facilitators use a lack of resources as an excuse if a session turns out bad. If you know on forehand what space and materials you have available, you can always build your session around them, and get great results.

    Off-Site Location When preparing an off-site location try to have the location at your disposal several hours before you have your session. Of course it would be great if you already have the location available a complete day before you have the session. This will give you all the time to set up the location, as well as rehearse your session.

    Combination When combining an on-site and off-site location make sure to have the off-site location prepared extremely well, or have a group lunch at the location where the main session will take place. Organize transportation for the group, or have clear maps for the participants to reach the location.

    Always make sure to confirm all made arrangements before the session takes place (catering, reservations for special activities, special guests, etc.), Use a checklist for the materials you need for running the session, and the materials you need to give to the participants to use during the session. We prefer to create a brainstorming kit for the participants and hand them out when they enter the location.

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    What do I need for the location?

    Questions:

    Make a list of the materials you need for the Brainstorming Session:

    How will the catering take place? Time: Activity:

    Are there any materials that will be provided by others? Material: By: Phone:

    Prepare the location dos and donts

    Do confirm everything that will be done by others at least two times before the session. The first time two weeks before the session takes place. The second time 24 hours before the session takes place (get written confirmations)

    Do check the location a day before using it!!! Do arrive at least two/three hours before the Brainstorming Session starts at

    the Brainstorming location to set up the space!!!

    dont assume anything!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 8; Run the session

    From the book

    You must always set the ground rules before the start of the session. These are essentially the principles that you would like people to follow to ensure the

    brainstorming effort is successful.

    - Chris Griffiths -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    Now it is time to start your brainstorming session, always have a fifteen to thirty minute welcome prepared for the participants. This to make sure everyone is present before starting the session, and to introduce yourself to the participants in an informal and relaxed manner. Dont jump straight into the session.

    Run the session Part 1: Start the session

    1: Set the ground rules.

    Before starting the session; make clear that you run the session. But that you are not there to hand them solutions. The facilitators job is to steer the session, provide the participants with the right tools to reach the objectives of the session, and to make sure all participants are involved in the session. Hand out the brainstorming kit, and go over the brainstorming rules once more.

    Explain to the group that you will start with an Icebreaker to lay the foundation for the main session (always explain what you are going to do, a clear roadmap will support the participants in focusing on the tasks at hand. 2: Break the ice.

    Start with an Icebreaker to warm up the group. A good icebreaker gets the participants in the mood for some serious brainstorming. Make sure the Icebreaker involves the participants, as well as the focus point of the main session. Often facilitators use Icebreakers that are completely off topic, and as a result they can alienate the participants from the start.

    3: Clarify.

    After the Icebreaker you should give the participants the time to ask clarifying questions before you start the main session. Also ask the participants questions in order to make sure they know what is expected from them. Dont assume that if they dont have questions, they know what is expected from them.

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    How will I warm up the participants?

    Questions:

    1: Set the ground rules.

    What are the ground rules for the Brainstorming Session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    How will you share the ground rules with the participants of the Brainstorming Session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Notes:

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    2: Break the ice.

    What Icebreaker will you use to warm up the participants for the main Brainstorming Session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Make an outline of how the Icebreaker will take place?

    Step 1:

    Step 2:

    Step 3:

    Step 4:

    Step 5:

    Step 6:

    What materials do you need for your Icebreaker?

    (Work out the Icebreaker you chose on page 32)

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    3: Clarify.

    Prepare a number of questions to ask the participants, in order to make sure they know what is expected of them before the main session starts. _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Run the session dos and donts

    Do make the ground rules clear before the Brainstorming Session!!! Do use an icebreaker that is connected to the main Brainstorming Session!!! Do give the participants the time to ask questions!!!

    dont use Icebreakers that have absolutely no connection to the main Brainstorming Session!!!

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    Notes

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    From the book

    If the ideas are getting a bit sparse or you find that the group has got stuck on the same train of thought, try using creativity techniques to recharge the session.

    - Chris Griffiths -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    After the warm up the participants are ready for the main event.

    Run the session Part 2: Start Brainstorming

    1: Present the opportunity and/or problem statement for the

    session

    This can be a one liner, or a paragraph. Make sure the statement you present is specific enough to work with. Never start your session with a half done statement like; We have to increase sales. Come with something like: We are looking for new opportunities in the market to increase our sales by at least 10% in the coming six months. To do that we can use. .

    2: Start the brainstorming session

    Explain what you are going to do. Especially when you are going to use more advanced Brainstorming techniques it will be worth the time to explain exactly what is expected. Nothing is worse than spending your time during the Brainstorming session, explaining what the participants have to do. Do this before you start the session. And even if you are using a seemingly easy technique, explain what you are going to do. Do this before each step in the session!!!

    3: During the Brainstorming Session

    Encourage the participants to jump in with ideas and moderate the ones that try to take control of the session. You need to hear the ideas from everyone. At this stage ideas are not to be judged, they should be built on and combined.

    Keep the focus of the team on the goal. When participants go off topic, steer them back towards the main topic. You can easily do this by asking questions regarding the issue at hand. Use closed (yes/no questions to do this.

    Occasionally fire questions at the group, to create fresh views on the topic. (see Brainsteering, by Shawn T. Coyne page 6 Ultimate Brainstorming) Always make sure to have some great questions prepared in order to steer the participants around the topic that is being discussed. When the participants are on topic, but are getting stuck, use open ended questions to fire up their thinking again.

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    Time to Brainstorm!!!

    Questions:

    1: Present the opportunity and/or problem statement for the

    session

    How will you present the opportunity and/or problem statement to the participants? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Notes:

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    2: Start the brainstorming session

    Make a copy of the goal statement for the Brainstorming Session.

    COPY goal STETEMENT

    BRAINSTORMING SESSION

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    2: Start the brainstorming session

    What Brainstorming technique are you going to use? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Make an outline of how the Brainstorming technique will take place?

    Step 1:

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    (Work out the Brainstorming technique you chose on page 32)

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    2: Start the brainstorming session

    What materials do you need for your Brainstorming Session?

    Notes:

    (Work out the Brainstorming technique you chose on page 32)

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    2: Start the brainstorming session

    What back up Brainstorming technique are you going to prepare in case the Brainstorming session hits a dead end? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Make an outline of how the Back up Brainstorming technique will take place?

    Step 1:

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    (Work out the back up Brainstorming technique you chose on page 32)

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    2: Start the brainstorming session

    What materials do you need for your back up Brainstorming Session?

    Notes:

    (Work out the back up Brainstorming technique you chose on page 32)

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    3: During the Brainstorming Session

    Prepare a number of questions to fire at the participants, in order to make sure they stay on track during the Brainstorming Session. _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Run the session dos and donts

    Do create a timeline for the entire session in a notebook!!! Do explain to the participants what you are going to do!!! Do prepare a number of questions that you can fire at the participants

    during the Brainstorming Session!!!

    dont assume that the participants know what is going to happen!!!

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    Notes

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    From the book

    Analysis and critical thinking are supremely important modes of thinking, but they become stampeding elephants if introduced at the wrong stage. Be sure to

    make this distinction with the group and to call it when you see it.

    - Sunni Brown -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    When the brainstorming phase has ended, you are not done. Run the session Part 3: Evaluate, Plan, and Look Back

    1: Evaluate

    After you finish the brainstorming session with a number of ideas it is time to evaluate those ideas. In our experience it is best to have a break after the brainstorming session, this to give participants the time to wind down after an intense creative activity. This will also give you time to change the setting.

    Where the brainstorming phase is all about being creative, the evaluation phase is more about analytical thinking. You could even do this on a different day (much will depend on the size of the project, and the available time and resources).

    2: Action plan

    Once you have evaluated the ideas, and picked the best one, or even a top three, it

    is time to create a plan of action. Make sure your action plan is S.M.A.R.T.!!!

    1 Specific: Are the actions well-defined and focused?

    2 Measurable: Are tools in place that can track progress?

    3 Action oriented: Are the actions that will be taken clearly described?

    4 Realistic: Is the plan realistic?

    5 Time bound: Have clear limits been set for each step?

    Make sure to plan an official kick off for the start of any project!!!

    3: Look back

    After you finish creating an action plan, it is always good to take a step back, and look back at the session. Assess the session with the participants, double check if everyone is on the same page, and dont forget to do a serious self-assessment.

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    The Brainstorming Session is over, now what?

    Questions:

    1: Evaluate

    How are you going to evaluate the created ideas? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Make an outline of how the evaluation of the created ideas will take place.

    Step 1:

    Step 2:

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    1: Evaluate

    What materials do you need for the evaluation of the created ideas?

    Notes:

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    2: Action plan

    How will you create a workable action plan? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Make an outline of how a workable action plan will be created.

    Step 1:

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    2: Action plan

    What materials do you need for the creation of an action plan?

    Notes:

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    3: Look back

    How will you look back at the session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    Notes:

    Run the session dos and donts

    Do evaluate the ideas with the participants!!! Do create a plan of action with the participants!!! Do look back at the session with the participants!!!

    dont skip any of these 3 steps!!!

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    Notes

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    Key Step 9; Follow up

    From the book

    In order to hold the participants accountable, follow up is a must after any brainstorming session.

    - Arthur Kaptein -

    ULTIMATE BRAINSTORMING INSIGHT

    But it does not stop when the session has finished. After a lot of hard work, brainstorming, evaluating, and planning it is time to follow up. Even if there is no extra session planned, follow up is an important tool to see what the effects of the brainstorming session were, and to keep people accountable for agreements they made.

    Scrums Scrums are short meetings that can be held daily as well as weekly. They focus on three questions:

    1 What did we do yesterday (last week)? 2 What will we do today (this week)? 3 Are there any obstacles?

    A follow up brainstorming session Extra sessions can be held to follow the progress of the initial session. These can be shorter due to the fact that you only have to track progress of the created action plan. It will also help the organization to create lasting employee involvement.

    Electronically Electronic follow up can be done by mail. You can also set up a special page, or use an online project planning tool to track progress of the project.

    The way to follow up should be agreed on before the end of your session. This to create a clear view for all participants on what will happen after an action plan has been created.

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    How will follow up take place?

    Questions:

    How will you follow up with the participants after the initial Brainstorming session? _____________________________________________________________________________________

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    How will you celebrate when important milestones have been reached? Milestone: Celebration:

    Follow up dos and donts

    Do follow up with the participants after the session!!! Do set milestones!!! Do celebrate when important milestones have been reached!!!

    dont forget to thank the participants for their contribution to the session!!!

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    Notes

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