Use “unrules” when brainstorming

Anyone who has attended an unproductive brainstorming session will agree that ground rules are important. However, the notion of rules seems contrary to creativity. This is why I developed  “the unrules” for my own sessions; they combine common sense and humour. When managed by a good facilitator, they keep people on track. Download a one-page Facilitator’s Checklist for more specific guidance.

Before I go into the unrules, I’ll state a caution. A facilitator needs to be impartial and focused on results; this is difficult to achieve if he/she is also contributing ideas. If participants suspect a facilitator is biased toward his/her own ideas, they will disengage. So, pick the role where you add the most value: facilitator OR contributor.

The Facilitator’s Checklist and the unrules below are excerpts from the user’s handbook for the workshop called “B.I.5 – Breakthrough Ideas in 5 Steps”. Click here to download a B.I.5 Cheatsheet.

Rule #1: Do not evaluate ideas!

Use the FNENH to sweep up negativity as you go through a session. If you let it build up, you’ll trip over it later.

Defer evaluation to Step 4, Refine Ideas. Criticism stops people from contributing and encourages them to grab onto the first good idea. In either case, the ideas stop flowing. When a new idea is met with knee-jerk criticism, gently FNENH it and forget it. “FNENH” stands for “Frankly, Negative Energy is Not Helpful.” It is the gentle F-word, a light-hearted way to respond to knee-jerk criticism of ideas. Tip: never say “FNENH” in a judging tone or you perpetuate the very negativity the tool is designed to eliminate.

Rule #2: Go for quantity and variety

Aim for ideas in at least three distinct themes to ensure options in Step 4, Refine Ideas. Beware of the “Smarties Trap” – believing that ideas are different (e.g., green vs. red. vs. pink) when, in reality, they’re all Smarties. Also notice your “BABS” (Biases, Assumptions and Blind Spots); they limit ideas!

Rule #3: Develop ideas

Build on any “idea fragments” as a group to ensure there are specific actionable ideas to take forward.  The number one reason people become disenchanted with brainstorming is “too few ideas we can actually implement!” That said, resist the temptation to “polish the ball” (add elaborate detail to a single idea): it stops you from moving on to new ideas. Note: “specific” does not mean detailed; it means defined and distinct from other ideas.

To test for specific actionable ideas, ask: If you had to leave this room right now to implement this idea, would you know where to start? A “no” answer means the idea is still too vague.