successful brainstorming

"Go have a brainstorming session and get back to me with some ideas."

We've all heard this. We all know the goal of brainstorming--to come as with as many ideas as possible. But how the heck are you supposed to go from zero ideas to the brainstorm? Here are three easy steps to get the ideas flowing.

1. quantity over quality
Put everything down on paper (or screen). Nothing is too big or too small or too crazy or too anything. This is one of the few times when quantity overrules quality. No need to think about details, how to make an idea work, how to pay for materials, etc. Let go of your practical side. Everything goes on the list.

2. walk on the wild side
Go big. Go crazy. It's easier to reign in a wild idea than it is to beef up a wimpy one. Let your creativity take the wheel. Easier said than done. Set ground rules ahead of time. This may sound elementary, but it never hurts to remind group members that every comment is respected, each voice is of equal importance and that disrespect (scoffing, dismissal of an idea, snickering, etc) will not be tolerated (go ahead and add that anyone displaying such behavior will be asked to leave the group). This will help group members feel free to unleash their imagination.

3. think "Lego's"
Towards the end of the brainstorming session (but this is not "the" end of it!) start connecting the ideas you've collected. Pass the list around, let group members work with the ideas collected. How can these ideas build on each other? What can you add to someone else's contribution? What do these ideas inspire in others? Your mare practical thinkers will be helpful here in connecting the dots.

It will take some time to re-train your thinking to be open to free-flow, free-style problem solving (usually we have and end goal in mind, but with this style we don't). Give it time. Next thing you know, you'll have ideas flowing all over the place.