How to facilitate a brainstorming session ----------------------------------------- * Write the problem definition for the group to see. * Describe the ground rules for stage 1: * In stage 1, we only generate ideas * No criticizing or promoting ideas (yet) * Explain that even bad ideas can inspire good ideas * Jot down ideas for everyone to see, as they are generated. * When you sense things have slowed down, begin stage 2: * Identify the good qualities of various ideas that were proposed * If the group wants to cross out ideas at this point, that's fine * It's also fine if the group wants to combine good attributes of several solutions * Try to narrow it down to a single plan going forward - or a small number to be looked into further after the session