Improve Your Brainstorming Skills

It’s easier to brainstorm earlier in the day because your energy levels are usually higher. You should also make sure that you are in a comfortable place with lots of natural light. A good place is a coffee shop with large windows. DONT sit in a room with florescent lights. These will suck the life out of you and you’ll fell less alive than in a room full of sunlight.

There are a number of implements that you can use for brainstorming — a white board, pencil and paper or even an audio recorder — but my favorite tool is a software program called FreeMind, which allows you to create tree charts from your thoughts. It’s also free and open source. You can download it at freemind.sourceforge.net

A good brainstorming session should last around one hour. After that, your mind will probably start to slow down. If you find yourself needing more time, extend the hour, or get some rest. Let your subconscious do some thinking for you and then continue the next day.

During a brainstorming session don’t discount any ideas, either of yours or of a coworker’s. Accept every suggestion, even if it sounds silly. When you acknowledge everyone’s thoughts they’ll be more motivated to think creatively, which in turn, could solve the goal you are trying to achieve.

Everyone thinks that they can brainstorm. But you can always improve your skills and effectiveness. The more you practice, the easier it gets to be creative.

And one last tip — have fun. If you’re less formal and enjoy yourself, you’ll have more success at brainstorming.