Conscious Brainstorming: A Forgotten Tool for Making Difficult Decisions

Need an idea fast or "out-of-the-box" alternatives to help make a difficult decision? A tool you don’t hear much about lately (I suspect because it seems too simple to be truly effective) is brainstorming. Webster’s dictionary defines brainstorming as "a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group." You can accomplish this creative process a number of ways.

Brainstorming can be as formal as holding a meeting in which someone takes notes of the ideas generated or the session is recorded. It can be as informal as writing down ideas on paper or using more intricate tools, such as software, and asking for comments or improvements on the ideas.

Although you won't have the benefit of being inspired by other's ideas, you can have a brainstorming session alone if necessary due to your circumstances.

Come up with a series of questions or scenarios to get the creative juices flowing. Tom Monahan, author of The Do-It-Yourself Lobotomy, suggests using the "180-degree" brainstorming technique. You imagine the worst possible outcomes or scenarios of a situation or issue and then discuss ways to avoid them.

The key is to maintain a supportive environment so each member feels comfortable contributing all their ideas. This means, in part, never criticize an idea no matter how silly it sounds. Always try to improve on the idea. If it sounds too far out, try to find the underlying principles of the idea and apply them to your situation. You never know what will work.

For more brainstorming techniques and tools, check out www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.html.

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