Try Brainwriting

Brainstorming sessions work successfully for many. But, what happened at your last brainstorming session? A reality check comes when brainstorming's used in toxic meetings or is led by a poor facilitator. Note that Sara Superstar vies with Paul Peacock to impress the leader while Jimbo doodles and Mariah slams her fist to catch attention and contribute. Works like clashing cymbals. Ever see it in action where you work? Here's an alternative to consider or even to mix sessions up a bit...

Try Brainwriting Ideas come thoughtfully... one bounces off another, everyone has voice, and many folks work well in a quieter setting. Best part is you don't necessarily need a leader and it improves superior idea generation, according to Peter Heslin, business professor at SMU.

Brainwriting offers many variations... A theme for the session might be written on the board. Underneath a two-footed question's listed, linking each participant to the theme.

Write - Folks sit around a table each with a slip of paper, a different color pen or even different color sticky notes. Each person writes an idea on the note and passes it to the right.

React - Once each person reads what's written, each one writes a reaction that comes to mind. If a person can't think s/he leaves the paper blank so there's no pressure.

Review - When each note's brimming with about five ideas, place it in the middle of the table. When slips are complete everyone analyzes. Review leads to a "systematic consideration of each idea," according to Heslin.

Select - Each person makes a list of favorite ideas and the most popular are recorded. Result- Lots of surprises that can make a difference.

Benefits -

• ideas spark quickly and people don't lose best thoughts since they can write them down immediately
• people can contribute equally - no chance for personality clashes
• ideas generated simultaneously so can be judged by merit
• people gain confidence in their contributions
  
• community builder
  

Brainwriting variations you would enjoy

http://www.mycoted.com/Brainwriting

http://creatingminds.org/tools/brainwriting.htm

http://litemind.com/brainwriting/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Brainwriting,-A-More-Perfect-Brainstorm&id=510585