• Agree a target of how many ideas you will get - increase it by 20% (you will be amazed how this last 20% contain the best ideas)
• No criticism, evaluation, judgment, or defence of ideas during the brainstorming session.
• No limit on "wild" ideas, no matter how outrageous or impractical they seem. Every idea is to be expressed.
• Quantity is more desirable than quality.
• "Piggybacking"- building on ideas - is encouraged.
• Everyone must be encouraged to participate.
• Record all ideas - i.e. on a piece of flip chart paper.
• Individually rank ideas.
• Choose " top 5 ideas" - combine similar ideas when appropriate.
• Write each of these onto a new piece of paper and brainstorm how to refine or implement these ideas.
• Before leaving the session agree on the next steps and who will put these ideas into action.
