Brainstorming is very popular method, widely used by executives and leaders that has proven its effectiveness and undoubtedly brings evident results when done right. Holding brainstorming sessions effectively helps entrepreneurs and their teams to find solutions to problems and to generate creative ideas faster and easier. The sessions encourage every attendee to approach the topic informally and encourages the participants to share event their craziest ideas. To maximize the effects of the brainstorming sessions that you hold with your startup team, here you will find three tips that will guide you towards success.

The Rules

When holding a group brainstorming sessions, make sure that all of the participants understand the way the method works. The session will be unsuccessful if the team members are not feeling comfortable with sharing their thoughts on an important problem or are not confident enough to discuss their ideas out loud. There is no place for ego fights or judgment during brainstorming sessions. In order to make the most of the experience, dedicate 10 minutes before you begin your first session to explain to all participants how the process works, what they should expect and how they should approach it.

Identify the Problem

To make the most of the process, it is important to have clear agenda and to introduce all the participants to it at the beginning. Make sure that everyone understands the purpose of the meeting, knows what the main objectives are and is aware of the goals that need to be achieved through this session. Are you trying to find solution to a particular problem? Are you aiming to generate more creative ideas? Whatever the reason to hold a brainstorming session is, make it clear to all the participants, so they can concentrate on the right objectives.

Work Individually and in Group

Once you have the agenda clearly set, it is time to identify the right execution approach. Before heading into group brainstorming session, it is advisable each and every one of the participants to spend some time to individually to find the solution of a problem or to come up with ideas. This will give the opportunity to obtain a large base of ideas and solutions to be discussed later during the group brainstorming session.

Holding brainstorming sessions is often considered as a waste of time by people, who don’t know how to effectively manage these processes. Once you master the approach and introduce it to your team members, it is very likely to become one of the best ways to come up with new ideas and solutions to important problems. Many teams hold brainstorming sessions every Monday morning in order to jump start the week through creativity, communication and active problem-solving.