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Many people use the term “brainstorm” when referring to ideation – the process of yielding multiple, diverse, and hopefully innovative ideas. Ideation is one step in the creative problem-solving process.  During an ideation session, a qualified facilitator makes all the difference in yielding the results you and your team are seeking.  Let’s look at ten “brainstorming” challenges that a Creative Oklahoma cSchool facilitator can help you avoid.
 
1. “We Got Lost!” – A clear direction, purpose, or goal for the session is critical! Tangents are the norm. It takes wise pre-session planning and a skilled facilitator to guide the discussion back to the goal without squelching genuinely useful ideas. Knowing when to chase a rabbit trail is an important skill a facilitator possesses to help you stay on course.
 
2. “Been There, Done That” – Even ideation sessions can become mundane when engaging in the same activities repeatedly. Brainstorming, or ideation, tools and techniques abound. A qualified facilitator will select tools appropriate for meeting the objective at hand and based on the participants, projects or topics. Often the best tools are the ones YOU create for your specific needs. S-T-R-E-T-C-H!
 
3. “The Fear Factor” – “I’m scared… What if we can’t solve the problem? What if someone else comes up with a better idea than mine? What if someone suggests an idea that means I might have to change?” Fear is a driving force in stifling innovation, whether it means personal or organizational growth. A skilled facilitator can assist you in facing concerns with confidence.
 
4. “Failure Freeze” – Much of the traditional management and educational environment is geared toward the one right answer philosophy. People are scared to make a mistake, yet the ability to “engage” risk that includes the possibility of failure is a vital component to being innovative. Failure is an essential element of success! If you want more success, increase your failure rate!
 
5. “Blabbermouths Rule!” – Brainstorming sessions can be dominated by the most opinionated or outgoing participants. Less aggressive team members can become lost in the group, potentially stifling some really great ideas. Innovative methods facilitated effectively yields more diverse and creative outcomes.
 
6. “KIAs” – KIA is the military acronym for those “Killed In Action.” Yet, Know It Alls (KIAs) are the surest way to kill innovation. These are people who act like there’s no room to grow or learn. Arrogance in all forms (a lack of openness to new ideas, current reality, or outside input) is a “killer.” The curiosity of a lifelong learner is essential to staying innovative. Don’t get KIA by being a Know It All.
 
7. “Rear-View Living” – Spending too much time focusing on the past with Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda thinking is dangerous. Hindsight can offer great insight into problems, crisis, failure, and even success. Yet, “rear view living,” especially if it turns into a blame game, is unproductive. Focus on the Future!
 
8. “Meeting Nausea” – ‘We’re SICK of meetings’ is often the unspoken team attitude… and justifiably so. A great brainstorming session is totally different from a normal ‘meeting.’ Facilitate an experience with amazing results by thoroughly preparing. Define a clear purpose or objective, plan strategically prior to the session, provide a spirit of experimentation in a ‘grace-filled’ environment, and ensure a good bit of fun and laughter.
 
9. “Bad Experience” – An unproductive or toxic brainstorming session can make team members skeptical when the next one is called. If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you may eliminate that food or restaurant; yet, you don’t give up on food altogether! Regroup and call in a Creative Oklahoma cSchool facilitator.
 
10. “MIA” – Have you participated in brainstorming sessions where a TON of ideas were generated; then, everybody got up, walked out and… nothing happened?! Creative problem solving is more than ideation. Remember ideation is designed to generate ideas in order to solve a problem. A qualified facilitator moves your team to potential solutions, evaluation and implementation techniques that capitalize on team ownership, and assignments for individual action steps. Don’t forget the Action!
 
cSchool faculty are skilled facilitators, trainers, and professional development experts who can engage your team with tried and true ideation tools and techniques – and beyond – that lead to results. Think Differently!

John Storm is a member of Creative Oklahoma cSchool.  He is the Innovation Strategist whose mission is to bring your ideas to LIFE! He helps people get unstuck, spark fresh thinking and generate game-changing ideas. www.HighStakesInnovation.com