As a project manager, one of the first steps you will be involved in is the exploration phase of a new project. This will typically mean that you need to brainstorm all ideas and possibilities. A lot of people can feel like brainstorming is a waste of time, but this could not be further from the truth. Ask yourself; are you brainstorming effectively? Below, we take a look at the different brainstorming techniques you can use to boost your new project’s exploration process.
Let’s begin with the stepladder technique, which was developed in 1992. With this approach, every member of the team is encouraged to contribute on his or her own ideas prior to be influenced by everyone else. So, at the start of the session, the facilitator will share a question or topic with the whole team. After this, everyone will leave the meeting room, except from two team members. They will discuss their ideas, and then one member will be added to the group. This is repeated until everyone is added to the group. What is important is that the new member adds their ideas before anyone in the group speaks.
Another form of brainstorming is known as starbursting. What makes this unique is the fact that it does not focus on the answer; it focuses on the questions. Your team are challenged to come up with as many questions as possible about the topic.
Have you tried round robin brainstorming? This is an easy and effective form of brainstorming. Basically, the team gathers in a circle, and everyone contributes one by one. Everyone offers an idea until they have had their turn. This is a good way to incorporate quiet group members who have excellent ideas but are often too shy or scared to speak up.
Of course, one of the most popular forms of brainstorming is brain writing, whereby team members write down their ideas instead of sharing them out loud. One of the main benefits associated with this type of brainstorming is that it gives people time to mull over their ideas. It enables concepts to generate that would not typically occur when in a bigger setting.
Rapid ideation is definitely a form of brainstorming that is worth considering. With this approach, the team leader will provide the context, and they will give questions or details on the likes of deadline, budget, and topics. Individuals then have a time limit to write down as many ideas and thoughts as possible. The thought behind this is that people generate ideas quickly because they do not overthink them or have time to filter them.
So there you have it: different techniques and approaches you can use when it comes to brainstorming for your new project. If you are still having trouble, it is a good idea to consider one of the available project management courses, such as the APM Introductory course. This will help you to evaluate the worth of a project, and the different possibilities that are available to you so that you can understand the project’s true potential.
