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Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a powerful tool, an idea generator. It is best used with a group of individuals. The different views and perspectives of a group will often generate many more responses, some of them unique or new to the other individuals.
It is not always possible to gather a group of individuals for a brainstorming session. With that in mind, we offer you this simple tool, that will assist you in an individual brainstorming session. Consider it a starting point.
Quick Brainstorm
tools: pen, paper and Item list (see below)
Simple analogy is an effective brainstorming method to generate ideas by using pictures, words or objects. This tool is an opportunity to move outside the boundaries of the original concern. Analogies are simply statements of comparison. A comparison of some object to another.
Instructions:
1. Find a favorite place to think.
2. Identify the topic that you wish to generate ideas about. Make it clear and concise. Write it down on the top of your paper. Draw a line down the center of your page.
3. Select an item from the list below. Use your watch or clock, pick a random item based on the location of the second hand.
4. Describe the item; its' shape, function, uniqueness, ways it is used, effect it has on people, its' purpose. Write your descriptions on the left side of your paper.
5. Connect the "item" to your topic. Link your descriptions to your original concern. Not every description can be connected. Write your connection on the right side of the paper.
6. Have FUN. Allow yourself the freedom to think wildly. You may surprise yourself with new and innovative ideas. Note: Try it with more than one item to get more results.
1.thermometer
2. totem pole
3. thermometer
4. calendar
5. bottle
6. coffee pot
7. automobile
8. telephone
9. paper clip
10. stapler
11. snake
12. pickle
13. hammer
14. mirror
15, clock
31. airplane
32. streetlight
33. turkey
34. milk
35. mountain
36. moon
37. internet
38. dog
39. computer
40. seashell
41. polar bear
42. ship
43. thumb tack
44. star
45. sunrise
16. microscope
17. radio
18. rabbit
19. pretzel
20. umbrella
21. watch
22. goat
23. garlic
24. baseball
25.butterfly
26. chair
27. cloud
28. bird nest
29. raccoon
30. spoon
46. street
47. bell
48. tiger
49. tree
50. football
51. eyeglasses
52. window
53. bicycle
54. finger
55. flower
56. wind chime
57. briefcase
58. trash can
59. bridge
60. smoke
Item List
Example:
How can we improve our team's communication?
The second hand of my watch rested on 14. This corresponded to the word "mirror" on the item list. I described a mirror. I then linked the descriptions to my original concern. The results are documented in the following chart.
14. Mirror
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used for appearance
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reflective
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has an edge
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evokes feelings
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fragile, can break
Improve Communication
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we are seen by how we communicate
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watch what we say
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understand the boundaries
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be considerate of others
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recognize that relationships can be fagile