\u201dIf you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn\u2019t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life. Ideas are any man\u2019s greatest asset.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n So, how do you come up with new ideas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating ideas and sparking innovations, which are the main force of creation and success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a world where creativity and collaboration are becoming increasingly important, the ability to effectively brainstorm and create new ideas is more valuable than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, understanding the basics of brainstorming, what brainstorming techniques are best for your team, and how to make it work for you can be a game-changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this blog post, we\u2019ll explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s dive in and discover the power of brainstorming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A brainstorming session is usually a group activity with a purpose of creating a solution to a problem or generating innovative ideas. It is a structured approach, and brainstorming sessions are usually led by a leader or facilitator who encourages free thinking, creativity, and open communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to achieve peak office productivity<\/a> and a constructive exchange of ideas, you’ll need some rules for leading brainstorming sessions. According to the New \u201cBrainstorming\u201d Principles paper<\/a>, here are six brainstorming rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A team leader is responsible for giving clear instructions about the aim of a particular brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One rule should be focusing on quantity over quality. Participants should be encouraged to think of as many ideas as they can without worrying about the quality of those ideas. This will ensure plenty of ideas that can be refined and expanded later on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the ideation phase, you as a team lead should refrain from feedback and criticism. All ideas should be accepted without judgment, as out-of-the-box thinking is encouraged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Schedule a brainstorming session now<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We usually think that brainstorming is a natural and effortless process that doesn\u2019t need any clear directions \u2014 that ideas just pop into our minds. But, brainstorming sessions are more productive when they are structured and have a clear and specific goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This process of determining the aim of a task, plan or brainstorming, known as the \u201cgoal setting<\/a>\u201d, is one of the most effective principles discovered by organizational and industrial psychologists Latham and Locke. This theory can also be used in team brainstorming sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the theory, setting specific goals is far more effective than setting vague and ambiguous goals. For example, team leaders should decide how many ideas should be generated during a session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, we get motivation<\/a> when we know exactly what we need to do and what kind of results we want to achieve, which later leads to improved performance. That is why setting a clear goal for a brainstorming session is critical for getting the most out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s much more to setting goals than it meets the eye. In case you wondered how to set smart<\/em> goals (and by \u2018smart\u2019 we mean: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) head to the following blog post for more info:<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the ’80s and \u201990s, people thought group brainstorming was inefficient<\/a> compared to brainstorming alone. One of the possible explanations is that some participants might feel shy to express their ideas or just lack accountability, so they would let others take over. Another reason why group brainstorming was considered inefficient was that while participants were waiting for their turn to speak and present their ideas, they would forget them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But an experimental research Brainstorming Groups in Context: Effectiveness in a Product Design Firm<\/em><\/a> shows that brainstorming in groups can be more effective if team members do the initial ideation alone than in groups. Individuals are more productive when working solo, so the brainstorming facilitator should allow team members to do the initial brainstorming alone and give them enough time to write down and prepare their ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can then present their ideas one at a time before engaging in a group discussion. When they share and build on each other’s ideas, true creativity emerges. As a result, everyone contributes equally to the brainstorming session, and your team can achieve maximum innovation and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned in the previous rule, team leaders should encourage participants to discuss their ideas, refine them and build on each other’s ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A brainstorming group should also include a diverse group of people<\/a> from different teams or with different experience and educational backgrounds to ensure maximum creativity and innovation in a brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People with different experiences, educational backgrounds, and teams will have different perspectives and will approach the problem or idea from various angles. According to the article, simply being exposed to diversity can alter your thinking and improve your creativity and problem-solving abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After they have presented and discussed their ideas together as a group, participants should individually vote for the best idea. This ensures commitment from each participant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the previously mentioned study on brainstorming principles, brainstorming sessions should be brief, lasting no more than fifteen minutes for initial idea generation and no more than two hours for the entire brainstorming session. You can use a time tracker like Clockify<\/a> to track your time during brainstorming sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With Clockify, you simply start the timer when you begin brainstorming and stop it when you’re done. This will allow you to keep track of how much time participants spend presenting their ideas to the group. <\/p>\n\n\n With Clockify, you can ensure that your brainstorming sessions are adequate in length, and that each participant has an equal amount of time to present their ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.<\/p>\n\n Whether you brainstorm to solve a problem, get new ideas, or expand on an existing one \u2014 it\u2019s good to know which technique works best for each situation and team. So, we\u2019ve listed some of the best brainstorming techniques which you and your team can make use of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mind mapping is a brainstorming technique that employs visual tools, such as diagrams, which are used for generating and organizing information, ideas, and concepts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although similar techniques were used by Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, Tony Buzan, a British author and educational consultant, introduced the term \u201cmind mapping<\/em>\u201d in the 1960s as a way to improve memory<\/a> and learning. Also, Buzan wrote The ultimate book of mind maps<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 3 most important elements for creating a successful mind map are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, a mind map typically starts with a central idea or concept, which you can place at the center of the page. From there, you can think of subtopics, associations, related concepts, or details about the central idea \u2014 and present them in \u201cbranches\u201d. Next, each branch may have sub-branches, which can contain additional details or related ideas, usually keywords. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The more colorful the nodes and connections are, the easier it will be for your brain to absorb information.<\/p>\n\n\n In the screenshot above, you can see a simple mind map which can help you brainstorm a business idea. Simply center the main topic or problem on a piece of paper, and then branch out the ideas or solutions that come up during the brainstorming session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you have a central idea in the form of a question: How to increase low website traffic?<\/em> You can branch out from this central concept with ideas (subtopics) like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same way, you can take any central idea, issue, or a question, and break it down into smaller nodes, to help you see the connections between the smaller parts that make the whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This technique is best suited for teams with \u201cvisual persons\u201d, as it provides a visual representation \u2014 a diagram \u2014 of an idea or a problem. Mind mapping also provides a clear and detailed breakdown of information about an idea you’re exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The SWOT analysis is not exactly a brainstorming technique but rather a strategic planning tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SWOT is an acronym that stands for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is commonly used in business, marketing, and organizational development to assess the current situation of a product, idea, project or business, and determine a course of action. However, it can serve as a useful brainstorming exercise for analyzing ideas, projects, products, or businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, the SWOT analysis focuses on the internal and external factors that can affect your idea. For example, a team of developers in a software company wants to implement a new feature, and wants to see all the possible benefits it could bring, but also the ways in which the feature could harm their current product. In that case, SWOT analysis can help them analyze the feature \u2014 how this feature can improve their product and whether there are any disadvantages of adding this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SWOT brainstorms give the best results when they\u2019re done in a matrix, like the one below.<\/p>\n\n\n Presented like this, SWOT has a great visual backup that makes all the information clearly visible, and \u201cwithin reach\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, a SWOT analysis can give you a thorough understanding of the internal and external environments that your company is operating in, assisting you in making choices and creating winning business strategies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, it can also be an effective team brainstorming technique which focuses on both positive and negative aspects of an idea, project or product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, you have a complete picture of your project or idea, including all of its advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brainwriting aims to eliminate situations where the same people always talk, while the others stay quiet or tune out, with one simple change \u2014 all initial communication is nonverbal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, when there is a brainstorming session, most of us will know right away how the session will go. We know who will be active and talk the most, who will interject, and whether or not our input is even needed. But, brainwriting changes this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a meeting facilitator, you give everyone a piece of paper, and have them write three ideas or strategies (depending on what you\u2019re doing) related to the theme of the brainstorm. After five or six minutes, everyone passes their paper to the person next to them, and then that person expands on their neighbor\u2019s ideas. This is done until the papers return to their owners. The second part of the session includes analyzing the findings each paper brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, team members can discuss common themes, issues, similarities, and differences between ideas. This way, everyone gets to contribute to the brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The brainwriting technique is best for newly formed teams, teams with a lot of introverts, or different personality types. Through brainwriting, everyone is involved, and there is no risk of having certain people be unable to voice their opinions. Everyone contributes equally, which ensures transparency and equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to know what makes each of the 16 personality types productive, read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest proponent of using the eidetic image method was psychologist Jacqueline Sussman<\/a>, who worked with \u2014 among others \u2014 Mattel and Google. She notes that eidetic images are vivid images stored in our brain, based on previous experiences, and gives the example of wanting to make a salad. The moment you read the ingredients list, you\u2019ll imagine each one, and assemble them in your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same way, you can use a brainstorming session with eidetic imagery when you want to build on or improve an existing feature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One example often used with this method is a smartphone. People are asked to imagine a generic smartphone, and then to start building better features into it \u2014 a different color, size, more space, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, when the session is over, one member is singled out to present their improved design and discuss it with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To facilitate this kind of creative problem solving, try the following order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this way, each person is given an opportunity to do their own brainstorming, collect their thoughts, and think through each feature. When the presentation time comes, they will have an easier time elaborating. Less time is spent finding the right words or brainstorming on the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eidetic image technique is best suited for participants who are visual thinkers. It is useful for expanding on existing ideas rather than coming up with new ones or solving problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you can use it when deciding on and developing new features for a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rapid ideation is a brainstorming method designed to help participants come up with multiple ideas in a short amount of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The gist is to set a time limit (usually between 5 and 10 minutes), so the participants can write down as many ideas as possible during that time frame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After the 10 minutes are up, you can start filtering through the ideas together, singling out the best ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rapid ideation technique is ideal for participants who are quick thinkers. It is useful especially if you have tight deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core of the gap filling or gap analysis method is: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow do we get from here to there?\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The facilitator of the session needs to lay out where the team is now and where they need to be. Think of it as a roadmap \u2014 you want to get from point A to point B, so you need to know where you can make pit stops for food and rest, where to refuel, and how to divide your driving hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In much the same way, you show the team where you would like to be with the project or a product, and then fill in that large gap with small steps that will take you there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gap analysis is a powerful technique that helps organizations identify the gap between their current state of business (possible problems or ongoing projects) and their desired future goals. This technique is great for problem solving, as it is a step-by-step process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gap analysis can help organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 5 Whys method relies on the childlike incessant \u201cwhy why why<\/em>\u201d to anyone older than them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy is the sky blue?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy can\u2019t animals eat human food?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy do we do X or Y?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Its aim is to delve deep into the reasoning behind specific decisions, to ensure they\u2019re there for solid reasons, and to prevent potential problems. The \u201c5\u201d in the name is given as a simple limit on how deep you should take the analysis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a simple example \u2014 creating a feature that lets you<\/strong> close a DM in our chat app:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Five isn\u2019t the only limit, though. You can go even deeper. The best visual aid for this kind of brainstorm is the Ishikawa (or fishbone) diagram, made by the Japanese organizational theorist Kaoru Ishikawa.<\/p>\n\n\n On the far right, where the \u201cfish head\u201d should be, you write down the problem, product, or feature, and to the left, you branch out into the potential causes of the issue \u2014 \u201cthe fish bones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 5 Whys technique is a simple yet powerful problem-solving tool that helps to identify the root cause of a problem by asking a series of “why” questions. By identifying the root cause of a problem, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, it is great for future feature\/product analysis. So, when you use it in your teams, remember to do so in order to understand why you should implement a new feature, or come up with a product, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stepladder technique is a brainstorming and decision-making technique that allows everyone in a group to contribute their ideas and opinions without being influenced by the group’s initial ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stepladder brainstorming has an interesting execution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stepladder technique can help less extroverted team members express themselves more freely and avoid people conforming to each other\u2019s opinions. It ensures everyone is heard and gets a chance to speak their mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, this technique can help participants who have difficulty speaking in front of large groups adapt and communicate more openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure storming or alter-ego is a fun technique that serves to put you in someone else’s shoes and see the situation from their point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This technique requires a team to imagine a well-known person, a historical figure, or someone they admire to lead a brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask questions like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow would Steve Jobs solve this problem?\u201d<\/em> or \u201cWhat would Elon Musk do in this situation?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are developing a product, you can put yourself in your customers’ shoes and ask: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat would our customers want to achieve with this product?\u201d<\/em> or \u201cHow could that product help our customers?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure storming technique is a fun and creative way to generate new ideas and solutions by encouraging teams to think from different perspectives. By taking on different roles, participants can see the problem from a new angle and generate ideas they wouldn\u2019t otherwise have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online brainstorming (also known as netting)<\/em> is a brainstorming technique mainly used for developing new ideas, but with a plot twist \u2014 the brainstorming session is conducted using collaboration tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This technique allows you to give all of your team members equal opportunities to offer input and contribute to a session \u2014 regardless of their work setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By using an online collaboration tool<\/a>, you and your team can share thoughts in a video call or exchange opinions in a group chat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The team leader can also use whiteboards, PowerPoint presentations, graphs, and other elements to make the session more efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In case group chat is a more convenient option for your team, a simple question such as \u201cHow can we attract more customers?<\/em>\u201d could generate a large number of ideas within a short time frame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Online brainstorming is ideal for remote teams that want to collaborate in real-time. It encourages all team members to participate, as some more introverted team members may feel more comfortable expressing their opinions by writing them down in the chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The round-robin technique requires team members to form a circle. The leader then explains the purpose and topic of discussion. People go around the circle, one by one, sharing their thoughts or ideas until everyone has had their turn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important rule in this technique is to give the same amount of time and attention to each person, and restrain from giving feedback until everyone gets a chance to contribute. When everyone has given their idea, you can discuss them and give feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This technique is a great option if you have a mid-sized to large-sized group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, it is useful if you have introverted team members who tend to stay quiet, as opposed to more extroverted team members who prefer to express themselves more. This technique is excellent because it requires equal input from all team members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as reporters investigate a story, you can analyze and learn as much as you can about a product, idea, or a project by asking: <\/p>\n\n\n\n When contemplating an idea, project, or product, consider as many questions as possible. You place the main idea in the center, and the questions burst around it, forming a star diagram.<\/p>\n\n\n The graph above shows how we formed a star, with the main topic in the center \u201cNew product\u201d and questions, such as \u201cWhat are the features of the new product,\u201d forming each point of the star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The starbursting technique is excellent for product development teams because one question leads to another, and answering those questions results in a solid product development strategy. Consequently, it is a good technique if you tend to overlook details when strategizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also a good way to create a FAQ page, as you will have prepared questions and answers in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The six thinking hats brainstorming technique was invented by Edward de Bono, a Maltese writer, psychologist, and philosopher. He presented this method in the book that carried the same name Six Thinking Hats<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>in 1985. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a consultant, he used this approach to advise government agencies. But, he also wanted the six thinking hats to be a useful technique for problem solving in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The six thinking hats method is a type of a roleplay technique. We approach an idea, problem, product, project, or business from six different angles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As for brainstorming sessions, participants are divided into 6 groups \u2014 six thinking hats: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each group has to think about the same idea from a different perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about emotions and how to manage them at work, read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to De Bono: “The main difficulty of thinking is confusion.<\/em>” <\/p>\n\n\n\n When people try to think about a problem or an idea, they often think about everything at the same time. Information, logic, hope, creativity, and emotions all at once can create brain fog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what is the answer? Bono taught us a technique which improves clarity of thought, communication, and creativity. Using the six thinking hats technique, you can lead a more organized and structured brainstorming session that yields better results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we are overwhelmed by a problem or an idea, we often experience mental fatigue and brain fog. To learn how to overcome these read our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reverse brainstorming technique is another method which requires you to look at the idea from a different viewpoint. Instead of focusing on how to solve a problem, you try to come up with ways to create new problems or amplify an issue. This allows you to identify the underlying causes of the problem and find new ways to solve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few steps on how to hold a reverse brainstorming session:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reverse brainstorming can be a useful technique for overcoming creative blocks and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. It can also assist teams in coming up with new ideas and perspectives that they might not have considered otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storyboarding is a visual storytelling technique that lets you use a series of drawings, images, or other visuals to tell a story or communicate a message.You can use it in a variety of fields, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storyboarding is used to visualize and plan out a narrative, scene, or project allowing for more efficient and effective development. This technique is an excellent brainstorming method because it incorporates visual representations of your ideas, which provides more clarity and understanding to your team members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of storyboarding typically starts with a script or a plot summary of the story. The storyboard artist then draws a series of panels, each representing a key moment in the story, and adds a brief description of the action or dialogue that takes place in that panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storyboarding can also be used in product design and marketing. For example, a marketer can use storyboarding to plan and visualize a promotional video or advertisement for a product or service. They can also outline and visualize the whole process of a marketing campaign from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The storyboarding technique is excellent for participants who are visual thinkers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use the storyboarding technique to visually plan out your projects and get a sense of how the story will look and feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This brainstorming technique provides you with a visual representation of your idea, project, or product, allowing you to better understand it. Storyboarding can also help identify potential issues with your idea or a project early in the process, allowing for adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S.C.A.M.P.E.R. technique is a method for testing and questioning ideas from various perspectives in order to expand and improve them. It is an acronym that stands for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The S.C.A.M.P.E.R. technique is a helpful tool for coming up with new ideas and solutions by approaching a problem or challenge from various angles and perspectives. Teams can come up with fresh and unique solutions to complex problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forced connections is a creative technique that involves creating random associations between seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of this technique is to encourage groups to think outside of their usual thought patterns and to make new, unexpected connections between ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some steps you can take to hold a successful forced connections brainstorming session in your team: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using this technique, people created some of the modern gadgets that we use every day. They combined a phone, camera, calculator, computer, mp3 player, and many more ideas into one and created a smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The forced connections technique is a great and fun way to think outside of the box and create unique ideas. It is especially useful for groups because team members can build on each other’s ideas and combine individual ideas into a single one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re working on a creative project, dealing with a difficult problem, or simply looking for new ways to think about a familiar subject, the forced connections technique can help you break out of old patterns and stimulate new perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have contacted experts who had experience with brainstorming techniques and asked them to give us some useful tips on how to conduct an effective and productive brainstorming session. Here is what they had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Sven Patzer<\/a>, the Chief Executive Officer of Sveny Corporation, visual aids help when organizing a brainstorming session: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201dVisual aids like mind maps, whiteboards, and sticky notes can help to organize and clarify ideas, and can also spark new insights and connections.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Including some color and casualness into these brainstorms will cause them to be more fruitful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another expert who shared his brainstorming ideas with us is Jarir Mallah<\/a>, an HR Specialist at Ling App:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUsing tools like Google Jamboard or Miro can increase interaction and engagement. Each tool allows for independent participation in a group atmosphere. The tools can be used remotely which is also a bonus allowing for collaboration from anywhere in the world.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Miro and Jamboard are two interactive whiteboards designed specifically for team collaboration. These tools will make your brainstorming sessions more productive and enjoyable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1<\/strong>Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are managing a large team and you want to know how to track your team\u2019s productivity, read the following blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The VP of Communications at CEDIA, Christine DeJoy<\/a>, shares tips and methods she implements in her marketing and communications team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMake sure your team knows what needs to be solved or created before you jump into the fun part, brainstorming!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, before you begin brainstorming, clearly present: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another tip that Christine DeJoy shared with us is that your team members need to know that they can express their ideas without fear of being judged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat means that any idea is a good idea, and there should never be any hesitation to share something you find thought-provoking or interesting at any level. Since my team focuses on marketing and coming up with new and creative ideas regularly, I hold a ‘Now Trending…’ meeting monthly. We review what we’ve all come across on social, in media, digitally, and even hard copy assets. We look at what works, why they resonated with us, and then discuss what we can take from those learnings and apply to our target audiences.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n A Creative Director at Imagefix, Garry West<\/a>, shared his thoughts with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome people won\u2019t open their mouths in a group, but they\u2019re happy to talk to one person. Give pairs 5 minutes to come up with some initial ideas.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n These one-on-one discussions are important because some people feel more comfortable talking to just one person. It also makes sure that all the participants contribute to the brainstorming session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We also asked Nina Predojevic<\/a>, a Social Media Specialist at Cake.com, to share her number one brainstorming tip with us. She says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTaking short breaks in between brainstorming sessions can help refresh your mind and allow you to come back to the task with a greater level of creativity. Breaks allow you to step away from the task and give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. For example, you could take a short walk outside, grab a snack or coffee, listen to music, meditate, or do a few stretches.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Breaks can also help you to relieve stress and anxiety and clear your mind. After a short break, you will have clearer thoughts and will be able to focus better on the task at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying concentrated at work can be challenging sometimes, so if you want to know how to be more focused at work, read the following blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brainstorming is a creative group activity and it comes with a lot of benefits. The following are some of the most common ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The well-known benefit of group brainstorming is creating a lot of new ideas. Brainstorming encourages all participants to openly express their thoughts and ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be extremely helpful when trying to come up with new ideas for a problem you are too familiar with. In that case, you can’t look at it objectively, so you simply don’t see any other possibilities. Consequently, receiving unbiased feedback from others can provide you with a fresh perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since there are more participants (your team members), you get more ideas. As a result, you are more likely to stumble upon a brilliant idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brainstorming is a powerful tool for fostering creativity and innovation. A brainstorming session allows participants to share their unique perspectives and build on the ideas of others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By creating a non-judgmental atmosphere, team members can feel safe to share their most unconventional and creative ideas without fear of criticism. Brainstorming brings people from various backgrounds together, which can result in a broader range of ideas and perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Group brainstorming also encourages experimentation with various ideas and brainstorming techniques, allowing you to generate ideas you would not have considered otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the greatest benefits that brainstorming brings to teams is that it promotes team spirit and team collaboration<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When team members work together to solve a problem they build stronger relationships. Brainstorming sessions ensure that all participants are on the same page and encourage open communication. This leads to increased employee productivity<\/a> and company\u2019s success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Clockify Pro Tip<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/17-Best-Brainstorming-Techniques-for-Teams-main-cover-1110x555.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6 Rules for holding high-quality brainstorming sessions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rule #1: Give clear instructions about the brainstorming process <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rule #2: Determine the specific goals of a brainstorming session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Rule #3: Team members should generate initial ideas alone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rule #4: Build on the ideas of others<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rule #5: Participants should vote on the best idea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rule #6: Keep brainstorming sessions short<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Clockify](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Clockify-features.png\")
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/clockify\/landing-4@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n\n\nBest brainstorming techniques for teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Technique #1: Mind mapping <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Mind](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Mind-map.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the mind mapping technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #2: The SWOT analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"SWOT](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/SWAT-analysis-method.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy should you use the SWOT technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #3: The brainwriting <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the brainwriting technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Technique #4: The eidetic image <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the eidetic image technique? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #5: The rapid ideation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the rapid ideation technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #6: The gap analysis <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the gap analysis?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Technique #7: The 5 Whys <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Fishbone](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fishbone-diagram.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy should you use the 5 Whys technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #8: The stepladder <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the stepladder technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #9: The figure storming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the figure storming technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #10: The online brainstorming or netting <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the online brainstorming or netting technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #11: The round-robin <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why should you use the round-robin technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #12: The starbursting <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"The](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/The-starbursting.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy should you use the starbursting technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #13: The six thinking hats <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the six thinking hats technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Technique #14: The reverse brainstorming <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the reverse brainstorming technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #15: The storyboarding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the storyboarding technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #16: The S.C.A.M.P.E.R. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Technique #17: Forced connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you use the forced connections technique?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Brainstorming tips by experts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: Use visual aids <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sven](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sven-Patzer.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #2: Use tools to make your brainstorming sessions interactive <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Jarir](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Jarir-Mallah.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Tip #3: Define the topic or idea that you’re generating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Christine](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Christine-DeJoy.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Tip #4: Make sure that your team knows that they are in a creative safe space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #5: Start out with one-to-ones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Garry](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Garry-West.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #6: Take breaks in between brainstorming sessions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nina](\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Nina-Predojevic-630x630.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Benefits of team brainstorming <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #1: Brainstorming generates a large number of ideas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #2: Brainstorming sparks creativity and innovation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefit #3: Builds teamwork and collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n