Brainstorming is a technique used to encourage creative problem solving. It is also useful when experiencing writer's block. Although it can be used by individuals, brainstorming is most effective in groups where a variety of ages, professions, interests, perspectives and backgrounds are included in the process. During brainstorming, words, phrases, ideas and concepts relating to the problem are generated by the group. These are then used to create potential solutions. After discussion, one or more solutions are chosen and implemented.
History
Brainstorming has existed throughout history, but was not given its name until advertising executive Alex Osborn introduced his "think up," process in the 1940's. Osborn wanted to generate as many ideas as possible, as a way to break through conventional thinking. No idea would be rejected for being too far out on the fringe. Instead, unusual ideas would be welcomed and implemented if possible.
Techniques: Freewriting
Freewriting is a brainstorming technique in which you write down whatever thoughts, feelings and experiences you have that relate to the topic or problem you wish to explore. Choose a topic, set a time limit, decide how many words, paragraphs or pages to write, and continue until time is up or you exhaust your thoughts on the topic. Combat writer's block by disengaging your left brain. Your left brain is your censor and intellectual editor. Don't allow your to spend so much time "getting it right," that you lose the enjoyment of creating something fresh. Brainstorming sets your right brain loose. Your right brain is the crazy friend who blows into your life for a day or two of parties before moving on to the next new thing. Have fun, make a big mess, and enjoy the moment. Clean everything up later, when you take the ideas you generated and plug them into your final work.
Techniques: Concept Mapping
Write one word related to the topic in a circle in the center of a flip chart page. Write the first word that comes to mind when you hear the first word. Continue until you have written a more specific word at each level from the first concept. Draw a circle around each word. Make connections between words that go together, making a progression of thoughts. For example, in the concept map that accompanies this step, the central word is romance. This connects to "Boy next door," and "Wife/mother." When you have decided what words are connected, use the sequence to tell a story.
For example, using the concept map, Jason and Allie grew up across the street from one another. They marry right after graduation, and Allie goes to college to become an architect. Jason starts his own construction company. Allie has worked her way into the upper management at a prestigious architectural firm, but has encountered the glass ceiling. To make it to the top, she has to put her career ahead of her husband and children. A tightening economy has Jason's business in a tailspin, putting further pressure on Allie. The rest of the story is up to you.
Citizen Involvment and Transparency
Invite public comments, suggestions and critiques of your organization. Create a forum that allows those who will be affected by your decisions to help generate solutions to thorny issues. This forum can also be used to decide which problems matter most, affect the daily lives of the largest number of people, and have solutions that can be implemented with minimal expense in time and effort while creating maximum benefit.
The Obama administration is making use of brainstorming sessions that are open to the public, to set policy and determine priorities. The Open Government Dialogue web site at opengov.ideascale.com "... will enable the White House to hear people's ideas on open government, including approaches to policy, law, technology, culture and practice."
Dares and Challenges
Participate in projects such as National Novel Writing Month, which is held every November. Month is sponsored by the Office of Letters and Light. The goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Write 1500 words a day for 30 days, while participating in the dares and challenges. Use the words provided in the dares in your writing, whenever you get stuck or need to avoid a cliche.
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