Time: < 30 Minutes

STEP 1: Gather together your team or family to focus on brainstorming new ideas.

STEP 2: Share a “ground rule” that no one is to disregard anyone else’s idea, just hear them all and write them down. Having everyone write them on a sticky note usually works well. If you have a “Negative Nelly” in the group, kindly remind them to hear everyone’s ideas without judgment. Many times, some of the more outrageous ideas are part of the solutions that are implemented.

STEP 3: If someone didn’t participate, ask them for some ideas. Sometimes people second-guess themselves when in a work group or meeting with others. Some people just need a little nudge. Praise them for sharing an idea.

STEP 4: Thank everyone for their input and suggestions. Once the final decision is made, give kudos to the person(s) that came up with the final solution, as well as recognizing the efforts of the group working together and not being judgmental. This will increase the likeliness of having similar successes in the future.