Generating Alternatives

…focus on identifying as many alternatives as possible

Brainstorming is an effective way to generate different ideas and courses of action. Start with a blank flip chart page. At the start of the meeting, ask your team members to suggest any ideas that come into their heads. Or ask individuals to take a few minutes to develop their own lists of ideas to share publicly.

Either way, record the ideas but don’t discuss their merits at this point. Be especially careful not to allow criticism in the early stages. Instead, focus on identifying as many alternatives as possible. You can evaluate the ideas after you have a list of possibilities.

Before brainstorming, write the problem, issue, or question the group will brainstorm on a chalkboard or flip chart, where everyone can see it throughout the session. Get agreement that from everyone that the issue is stated correctly and precisely.

ACTION POINT: Use brainstorming to generate alternative solutions for specific issues.