Are you trying to figure out how to improve a system or aspect of your association? Brainstorming could be your answer. A brainstorming session is a meeting where leadership can get together and come up with ideas on a certain topic or issue. It’s all about getting creative thoughts flowing without shooting down anyone’s ideas. Here are 5 benefits to holding a brainstorming session with your team:
- Outside Input
Brainstorms allow for others to freely propose ideas. It can be extremely difficult to come up with new ideas being the person closest to the issue. Inviting others into the conversation to figure out new ways of doing things allows people less familiar on the issue to speak openly about ideas they are thinking of. Not every idea is going to be great, but that’s where the next point comes in. - Idea Building
Each idea that is brought up doesn’t have to stand on its own. It’s important to state ideas even if they aren’t the perfect solution because it can help make something click for someone else. The concept of idea building is sharing ideas, which triggers new ideas, which creates a chain of new thoughts. The only way idea building can thrive in a brainstorming session is if no ideas are immediately shut down. This will discourage people from sharing and in turn will limit the success of the session. - Breaks Routine
Another benefit of having a brainstorming session is to get out of a normal routine. Maybe there are no apparent issues to be solved with how things are operating. A brainstorming session over a project can still be beneficial because it can reveal improvements you didn’t even know you needed. - List Generation
Each session should have at least one person writing ideas down so no idea is lost. One of the best parts of leaving a brainstorming session is the list of ideas you can take with you and build off of in the future. Not everything may be applicable immediately, but a list of ideas can help you think creatively for months after the actual session took place. - Teamwork
Last but not least, brainstorming sessions create a team atmosphere. Brainstorms don’t happen without people. Inviting co-workers into a brainstorming session helps solidify that you are on the same team and opens up the option to ask for help from others.
If you are stuck on an idea or just need fresh ideas, give a brainstorming session a try. At the very least it will get you thinking more creatively about the topic you are discussing. If it’s possible, set a schedule of brainstorming sessions and rotate who is leading it. This way everyone has a chance to have everyone think creatively with them about solutions. The benefits not only affect the person the session is surrounding, but everyone who is participating by coming together as a team and thinking outside the box.