Five ways to brainstorm better at work

Brainstorming sessions can be conducted productively as well as creatively. A little planning, fun and focus can help you arrive at solutions more promptly and effectively. Unplanned sessions without any thought can be disasters, discouraging team members from attending the next one. However, conducting these sessions can be child’s play if you keep certain basics in mind, says Prachi Verma.

1) Ensure Everyone Participates

Every team member should not only be present but a system should also be put in place to ensure everyone participates. SAMI Group, Group CEO, VG Nair suggests that a judgement should be deferred in case all the people in a team are not present.

2) Hear Out Everyone

No suggestions or ideas should be ignored. Till the time all the suggestions are not heard, no decision should be taken. “Fill the gaps by bringing in each and every idea, no matter how insane, to the table,” says Ambareesh Murty, founder and CEO at Pepperfry.com.

3) Bring in the Fun Element

Do not let the brainstorming session get dull and boring. Make it exciting with elements like visuals, videos, doodles, etc. Also focus on making the session interactive, with less preaching. Ask all the speakers to try and be creative while conveying their point.

4) Stick to the Objective

Do not digress from the goal of reaching a solution for a problem. Keep steering the discussion to the right path. If any member misses the path then politely nudge him or her to stick to the problem. “Stay focused on the topic and try keeping the discussion on track,” says Nair.

5) De-Jargonise the Interaction

Try to be simple and yet expressive in every interaction. Remember, the idea is not to impress anyone. “Try to speak like the customer and do not use any jargon,” says Murty. Jargon might be a turn-off for team members.