Brainstorming inspired by Jim Carrey
The trick to a good brainstorming session is to get a volume of ideas. Not quality but quantity. To get there is a reference to a fun Jim Carrey movie.
Say Yes to everything.
In the movie Yes Man, Jim's character is a critic. Many of us take this approach to all matters especially at work. The problems is we don't know how to switch this off during ideation.
As a leader, your duty is to get the group in a free flow state.
Similar to any physical activity, a good warm ensures a good performance. A stiff body can't perform well in a game. Our brains are like that. They need some cajoling, some indications that help us create. Conversely, some factors make us close our brains.
The common culprits are the words NO and BUT. They are giant idea killers.
Both words are usually uttered after a critical thought. If a leader uses them, they give a signal to the team. It converts the ideators into critical thinkers also.
We cannot ideate and think critically at the same time.
The solution is to be open during brainstorming. Defer your judgment. The critical mind will play a part in the next phase.
To get maximum ideas out, say YES.
Happy Ideating!
Hemang.