How can we brainstorm to generate new ideas?

Here are some simple guidelines to follow to help make a brainstorming session more productive ...

1. Use a moderator to keep the group on track and on time.
2. Brainstorming is a team sport ... support your team members!
3. No criticism ... no "devil's advocates" allowed!
4. Anything goes … wild, crazy, impractical, ingenious ideas encouraged!
5. Go for quantity, not quality, of ideas!
6. All ideas encouraged!
7. Piggyback, improve, combine ideas ... be an "angel advocate"!
8. Post the focus of the brainstorming session so all can see.
9. Record all ideas so nothing gets lost!
10. Filter ideas later, not during the brainstorming session!
11. Set a time limit for the session, then stick to it!

Variation ... brainwriting: the general process is that, in a group, ideas are recorded by each individual who thought of them ... they are then passed on to the next person who uses them as a trigger for their own ideas.