Brainstorming is a method used to solve complex problems, create products or propose creative ideas. So, what is Brainstorming? What is the implementation process and what are the principles to effectively implement this method? Let's find out with 1C Vietnam through the following article!

1. General understanding of Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a researched method that is commonly applied in all businesses today. Below is general information you need to know:

1.1 What is Brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a creative thinking technique to generate ideas and effective solutions to a product or problem. During this process, each individual is encouraged to give their opinion without judgment, promoting openness and innovation. The purpose of the Brainstorming method is to maximize the group's talents and find suitable solutions that an individual or group could not do. From there, build on existing ideas and approach the problem from a fresh perspective to create countless new ideas.

1.2 Origin of the Brainstorm method

Brainstorming became popular in 1953 in the book “Applied Imagination” by entrepreneur and creativity theorist Alex Osborn (based on the 1938 innovation of the term “Thinking up”).

Accordingly, Brainstorming became a research topic and gradually improved, becoming the first method that comes to mind for many people when thinking about generating ideas. Although it has been developed for a long time, the nature of this method remains the same and has not changed.

1.3 Areas of application of the Brainstorm method

Brainstorming method is widely applied in all aspects of work and life. Below are some areas where Brainstorming method maximizes its effectiveness:

• Business and management: Brainstorming is applied to help managers create new business strategies, develop products, improve production and management processes, and solve financial problems effectively...
• Marketing: Support businesses to come up with creative ideas for marketing and advertising plans in the new era.
• Product Research and Development: Develop new ideas for product development or improvement.
• Education: Promote students' creativity and independent thinking.
• Art: Helps individuals find new ideas for graphic design, websites, products…
• Science and technology: Implement solutions to solve complex technological problems.

2. The role and tasks of the Brainstorm method

Brainstorming is widely applied in the workplace when working in groups and even individually because of the following important roles and tasks:

2.1 For teams, groups

Brainstorming in teams is a creative form that is often applied in learning and working environments. For example: A group needs to discuss to find ideas for a presentation or the Marketing department works together to develop ideas for an upcoming marketing campaign.

2.2 For individuals

When Brainstorming alone, the person doing it should follow these guidelines:

• Choose a quiet location that is not disturbed by external factors to enhance your ability to concentrate on “brainstorming”.
• Relax your body and focus on the problem that needs to be solved. It is best to thoroughly understand the problems you are facing to grasp the related factors. From there, the practitioner will easily connect the related points and suggestions to quickly find the answer.
• Every thought that comes to mind during Brainstorming is valuable and deserves to be welcomed.
• Record ideas to create the big picture. Then continue to analyze, integrate and develop Brainstorming to come up with a final idea.

In general, the Brainstorming method is widely applied in work and study, helping to promote thinking and bring about more creative and productive working ideas. Whether implementing the Brainstorming method in groups or individually, creative ideas are the results achieved if implemented correctly.

3. 5 Steps to Successful Brainstorming

Brainstorming is widely used in both study and work. This is a way to promote thinking and move towards a creative and effective working style. Let's learn about effective Brainstorming methods with 1C Vietnam below:

3.1 Intellectual development

The brain has a very sensitive ability to receive and knows how to arrange information into “drawers”. To nourish the brain, the practitioner needs to talk more with others, ask questions, listen, take pictures, take notes, watch movies… Or can do anything they like to relieve stress and boredom.

3.2 Need time to practice

Brainstorming is a process that takes time to master, especially for beginners. So practice by brainstorming with yourself and then brainstorming with others. Also, take notes if you have new ideas because they will be extremely useful later.

3.3 Ignore criticism

For Brainstorming to be effective, the person doing it needs to avoid problems such as: Giving ideas and commenting that this idea is not suitable, criticizing others, ignoring good aspects... Because the Brainstorming process is not only to express each person's ideas and opinions but also to encourage creativity and not be limited by psychological barriers.

3.4 Applying mindmap

Appropriate ideas and comprehensive thinking will help the person implementing the Brainstorming method have the right solution to anticipate challenges and barriers. If you want to look at things from many perspectives, you should regularly explore, observe and learn. In particular, using a mind map is an effective method to improve the initiative of Brainstorming and discover many new discoveries.

3.5 Limit the use of technology devices

Using technological devices is one of the reasons why Brainstorming fails. Calls, text messages, music, etc. will distract you and make you less ready for Brainstorming. Therefore, the person performing the brainstorming needs to turn off technological devices and focus only on Brainstorming to be effective.

4. Principles of the Brainstorm method

Applying the right principles and methods will ensure that your Brainstorming process is as effective as possible. Here are four great principles for applying Brainstorming:

• Quantity Priority: Ideas are quantity that eventually creates quality as ideas are refined, consolidated, and developed.
• No Criticism: Team members are free to contribute and come up with ideas that come to their minds, while leaving out judgments.
• Encourage crazy ideas: Encourage members to present outstanding thoughts and ideas to add creativity to the final conclusion.
• Consolidate, refine, and improve ideas: Brainstorm based on different ideas and suggestions to continue the problem-solving process.

As can be seen, the principles and processes of implementing the Brainstorming method help team members work collaboratively. However, there is no one right way to implement Brainstorming, instead each individual or group must create a process that suits their requirements and desires.

5. Techniques to apply during Brainstorming

There are many brainstorming methods and techniques that individuals and groups can use. They may involve lateral thinking or basic brainstorming. Regardless of the method, the practitioner needs to experiment with the methods over time and evaluate which ones are most effective. Here are some common techniques used by many businesses during the brainstorming process:

• Quick ideation

There are many brainstorming exercises that involve generating ideas quickly. However, the key is to be quick enough so that you don't edit any of the ideas in your head.

• Brain-netting

This is the term used to describe “brainstorming” through various online tools and brainstorms. Typically, the process begins with gathering ideas online, connecting related ideas and content to select the most relevant ideas.

• Reverse Brainstorming

These are thoughts that go against the original ideas. This helps the implementer come up with more feasible and effective solutions.

• Round robin

Round-robin technique allows participants to record their ideas for a certain amount of time before it is the next person's turn. However, participants can note down ideas on paper for review, then pass them on to the next person to develop or adjust the idea as appropriate.

• Mind map

A mind map is a visual method for recording ideas based on a general concept or a specific topic. A mind map is often used to help the brainstormer understand the relationships between different ideas and develop appropriate plans.

• Rolestorming

This is a Brainstorming technique that allows participants to present their views and opinions from another person's perspective. This helps change the way they think and helps them come up with creative ideas.

• Brainwriting

Brainwriting is a Brainstorming technique in which members come up with their ideas independently before sharing them with the team or group.

• Starbursting

This is a Brainstorming technique that focuses primarily on questions and evaluating ideas rather than focusing on answers.

• Ladder Technique

This technique encourages group members to present ideas, express thoughts and be more active.

6. Some notes when doing Brainstorming

When participating in the individual or group Brainstorming process, the performer needs to pay attention to the following issues:

• Choosing the right time to brainstorm is important to ensure that your thinking flows smoothly and effectively. If your mental and physical state is not good, your thinking process will be interrupted. So, take about 30 - 60 minutes during a time when you have a lot of positive energy to brainstorm together.
• The location of the Brainstorming session is equally important. You should choose a quiet place to avoid being disturbed by external factors during the Brainstorming process. In particular, it is also extremely necessary to temporarily put away electronic devices that can easily distract you.
• Take notes and save each member's ideas after Brainstorming to discuss and come up with the best ideas.
• Always respect the opinions of all members, and listen, comment and give suggestions.
• People who do Brainstorming in a team or group can easily share their opinions, but there are also people who do not. At this time, the team leader needs to encourage and create comfort so that everyone can easily speak their thoughts.

7. Mistakes to avoid for effective brainstorming

To ensure an effective brainstorming process, the performer needs to pay attention to the following mistakes to avoid:

• Team members have conflicts and do not respect each other's opinions.
• The location for Brainstorming Ideas is too noisy, distracting, and makes it difficult for the person doing it to concentrate.
• The timing of the Brainstorm was not appropriate.
• There is no equality of rights shared among members.
• People do not grasp the purpose of the problem.
• Don't take notes on ideas when doing Brainstorming.

Above are the answers to the question: What is Brainstorming? Steps to implement Brainstorming and notes to ensure the Brainstorming process is successful. Hopefully, individuals and businesses have gathered useful knowledge through the article, from which they can come up with creative and valuable ideas. In addition, don't forget to follow the latest articles at 1C Vietnam to update the latest management knowledge!