Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique that involves generating a large number of ideas to solve a problem. It encourages open and free thinking, allowing participants to explore a wide range of potential solutions without immediate judgment or criticism.

• Understand the purpose and benefits of brainstorming.
• Learn different brainstorming techniques.
• Apply brainstorming methods to generate solutions effectively.

• Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Involves diverse perspectives.
• Generates a large number of ideas quickly.
• Fosters team collaboration and communication.

1. Quantity over Quality: Aim to generate as many ideas as possible.
2. No Criticism: Avoid evaluating or criticizing ideas during the brainstorming session.
3. Encourage Wild Ideas: Welcome unconventional and out-of-the-box ideas.
4. Combine and Improve Ideas: Build on others' ideas to create better solutions.

• Description: A group of people gather to generate ideas around a specific problem or topic.
• Steps:
  1. Define the problem clearly.
  2. Set a time limit (e.g., 30 minutes).
  3. Encourage participants to share ideas freely.
  4. Record all ideas without judgment.
  5. Review and refine the ideas after the session.

• Description: Participants write down their ideas independently before sharing them with the group.
• Steps:
  1. Provide participants with paper or digital tools.
  2. Define the problem and set a time limit.
  3. Ask participants to write down their ideas silently.
  4. Collect and share the ideas with the group.
  5. Discuss and build on the ideas collectively.

• Description: A visual brainstorming technique that involves creating a diagram to explore ideas and their connections.
• Steps:
  1. Write the central problem or topic in the center of a blank page.
  2. Draw branches from the central idea to subtopics or related ideas.
  3. Continue branching out to explore further details and connections.
  4. Use colors, images, and symbols to enhance the map.
  5. Review the mind map and identify potential solutions.

• Description: A structured brainstorming technique that uses a checklist of prompts to generate ideas.
• Steps:
  1. Define the problem or product.
  2. Apply the SCAMPER prompts:
     • Substitute: What can be substituted?
     • Combine: What can be combined?
     • Adapt: What can be adapted?
     • Modify: What can be modified?
     • Put to another use: How can it be used differently?
     • Eliminate: What can be eliminated?
     • Rearrange: What can be rearranged?
  3. Generate ideas based on each prompt.
  4. Review and refine the ideas.

• Description: A structured method where participants take turns sharing ideas.
• Steps:
  1. Form a circle with the participants.
  2. Define the problem and set a time limit.
  3. Each participant takes a turn to share one idea.
  4. Continue until everyone has contributed or the time limit is reached.
  5. Record all ideas and discuss them collectively.

1. Objective: Generate ideas to improve team communication.
2. Steps:
   1. Define the problem: "How can we improve team communication?"
   2. Set a time limit of 20 minutes.
   3. Encourage participants to share ideas freely.
   4. Record all ideas on a whiteboard or digital tool.
   5. Review and categorize the ideas after the session.

1. Objective: Explore solutions for reducing office waste.
2. Steps:
   1. Write the central problem: "Reducing office waste" in the center of a blank page.
   2. Draw branches for different categories (e.g., paper, plastic, food waste).
   3. Add sub-branches with specific ideas for each category.
   4. Use colors and symbols to enhance the map.
   5. Review the mind map and identify actionable solutions.

• Mistake: Criticizing ideas during the session.
  • Tip: Remind participants of the "no criticism" rule and create a supportive environment.
• Mistake: Dominance by a few participants.
  • Tip: Use structured techniques like Round-Robin to ensure equal participation.
• Mistake: Lack of focus on the problem.
  • Tip: Clearly define the problem and keep the discussion on track.

Brainstorming is a powerful tool for generating creative solutions to problems. By understanding and applying different brainstorming techniques, you can harness the collective creativity of your team and develop innovative solutions. Practice these techniques regularly to improve your problem-solving skills and foster a collaborative work environment.