Thursday, July 30, 2015

The Power of Brainstorming
Brainstorming is useful and effective when you have a challenge, problem, or stale patterns of thinking. It helps you overcome issues and will get buy in from the team, especially since they are a part of the solution. Having many people involved in solving an issue brings incredible richness and better solutions. Brainstorming sessions can be used for any issue from increasing sales, cutting down employee turnover and reducing waste, to improving morale & attitudes.
I worked with one company that had a goal of reducing errors & waste at a manufacturing company. In one two-hour session we came up with a plan, and within six months reduced the errors and decreased waste by 22%. That savings went right to the bottom line and everyone was excited because it was their idea. It also made it easier to give raises during performance appraisals.
Seven quick brainstorming rules:
1.           Have as many people from multiple areas of the company in the session. You never know where the next great idea will come from.
2.           No ego’s in the room. Everyone is equally important.
3.           Clearly define the problem / challenge you want the group to solve and any criteria that needs to be met
4.           The leader must keep the session focused on the problem
5.           No criticism or evaluation of an idea that comes up. You don’t want people to be scared or intimidated by any others in the session.
6.           Use a flip chart to write the ideas down.
7.           The leader of the session must make sure everyone is involved and his or her ideas are heard. Keep a close watch to make sure everyone is engaged. Remember, there are some behavior styles that will not feel comfortable in this setting and will want to stay quiet. You must get them involved in a respectful manner.
Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge”
So, get your people together and get your company moving forward. Remember, brainstorming can help get you there better, faster, and more efficiently than doing it by yourself.
Have a great day and happy brainstorming.
Written specifically for us by our associate Gary Sorrell, Sorrell Associates, LLC. Copyright protected worldwide. All rights reserved.
Start Using Our Newsletter Service Today!

Since 1995, Sorrell Associates has been producing proven effective customized newsletters, blogs, and marketing programs.  We offer these powerful marketing products/services in order to help you achieve your dreams and goals through an effective proven communications tool. Contact us today to see how we can put your marketing on auto pilot. 740-824-4842. http://www.NewsletterVille.com
PS – sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports…Instantly. Click here.



No comments: