A 1.1.4

HOW TO BRAINSTORMThe 7 definite stages

Getting organised

• Appoint a leader• Appoint a secretary/note keeper

Defining the Problem

• From the group list of problems, consider one and carefully restate it in PRECISE terms

Brainstorming

• Think of solutions to the problem. One by one suggest your solutions and the secretary/note keeper will record them (or make a mind map).• Keep going until there are no more ideas.• Be as imaginative and creative as you like.• Think out of the box!• Come up with lots of SOLUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS

Grouping

• When you have enough solutions, see if you can put them into groups with something in common.

Evaluating

• Discuss each of them examining whether it would work, at what cost, who would want it, what would be needed and so on.• Even the silly ideas need to be evaluated, even if only for a short time.• You will end up with a few very good ideas which you will need to

investigate further

Selecting

• From your short list of very good ideas you need to select the best ones.• Those that are more likely to solve the problem that you started with.

Acting

• You started with a problem and ended up with a proposed solution.• The question is ‘Does it work?’• You will need to turn talk into action!

Apply brainstorming to solve problems• All problems are really disguised opportunities for somebody. A person with a problem is

a person in need. If there are sufficient people with similar needs then there is a potential market

• Make a list of 3 problems that you might have or be faced with in one of these situations:• In school• In the kitchen• In the garden• On holiday• Watching TV• Travelling by bus• At weekends

Step 2 In a group of 4/5 let the others know your list of problems

Step 3 Leaders should then get the group to select 3 problems for problem-solving brainstorming session ( 20 minutes)

Step 4 Report back and debrief looking at:• Number of ideas• Novelty of ideas• Quality of ideas• Benefits of group• Problem solving this way