9 Secrets of Successful Creative Brainstorming

4. CLEARLY DEFINE THE PROBLEM. Brainstorms are most effective when they are trying to solve a specific problem -- not just to “come up with an idea.” The problem should be written out and prominently displayed before anyone starts thinking.

5. PAVE PARADISE (PUT UP A PARKING LOT). Every brainstorm creates ancillary ideas that might not be relevant to the problem at hand. But they could be the best ideas. Don’t ignore them. Capture them on sticky notes and put them in a “parking lot” on the other side of the room.