- One of the greatest enemies of effective ideation,
group or otherwise, is routine.
Most of our days are filled with routine,
a set path that we employ
to navigate our work and our lives.
And even though throwing around ideas is usually fun,
waking people up from their routines to think alternatively
towards a problem is a challenge.
You need your participants to be focused and fearless.
You want all of the positive energy of ideation
to be amplified so your stormers are awake and alive.
And thanks to neuroscientist Wolfram Schultz,
we know that there's something out there
that intensifies our emotions by more than 400%, surprise.
So add a little surprise to your brainstorm sessions.
Have something up your sleeve
for every brainstorm session you conduct.
This can be as simple as snacks
or as elaborate as room decor.
You could dress like your audience
or bring tools of your problem's trade
for your participants to interact with.
Whatever you have up your sleeve, keep it to yourself.
This not only amplifies the positive environment
you are setting for your current brainstorm,
you get the added benefit of having that type of surprise
as a characteristic of how you lead.
This will make it easier for you to get the engagement
the next time you conduct a brainstorm.
People want to be around others who are passionate
about what they do, and nothing speaks to passion
more than thoughtful and positive inclusion of something
that isn't necessary to the job at hand.
Be prepared to add a little surprise
and you'll get more from your stormers.