Brainstorming: The Key to Collective Creativity

Teamwork & CooperationChange & AdaptationAll employees≈ 25 min

Key skill: Creativity & innovation

Summary

Prepare and run brainstorming sessions that actually deliver: frame the right question, gather the right people, apply the five DREAM rules, then sort and select as a group the ideas worth acting on.

Target audience

Anyone who facilitates or takes part in meetings.

Learning objectives

Frame the right question before launching your brainstorm.
Choose the right people to invite to create productive collective energy.
Open up channels of expression and creativity with icebreakers.
Formalise the rules of brainstorming, including the 5 DREAM rules.

Module outline

StorytellingAn illustration of the Brainstorm Festival, where residents find innovative solutions for the collective good
ArticlesA list of possible brainstorming topics · A list of online tools for remote brainstorming (Miro, MindMeister, Stormboard, Padlet, Google Jamboard, Klaxoon) · Original icebreakers: example questions to break the ice
Expert videoThe key steps to prepare, facilitate and follow up on an effective brainstorm
AnchoringA quiz and True/False questions to dig deeper into the topic and anchor what you've learned
Memo cardA downloadable coaching memo card: the key points from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment

Models & methods

The DREAM method (Dare, Respect, Express ideas in writing, Associate/build on ideas, Maximum quantity); facilitated production — animated, individual, then group; a sorting, filtering and selection phase.

Research-based

Brainstorming, invented by American advertising executive Alex Osborn; Einstein's remark on the time worth spending defining the problem before searching for the solution.