1. Generating Options
Using Brainstorming

2. Why use Brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a valuable tool to generate a wide variety of creative ideas by a group in a short amount of time.
It can be ‘Blue Sky’ e.g. what is our vision for service X money, time, technology no object, it can be used to generate solutions to issues, identify stakeholder groups, options available etc.

3. How to brainstorm #1 State the issue or question clearly
Each member of the group to put one idea per post-it
Each member of the group generate as many ideas as possible
Do this in silence
Set a time limit e.g. 3 mins

4. How to brainstorm #2
At the end of the silent brainstorm, ask one person to present one idea, clarify the idea of required but no discussion
Place the post-it on a flipchart
Continue round the group until all ideas have been presented
If possible place related ideas together

5. Brainstorming rules Generate as many ideas and options as possible
Don’t judge
No discussion when presenting the idea e.g. that won’t work, we’ve tried that before…
Don’t worry about stating the (what some may think) is the obvious
Repetition s good, it gives you an understanding of the support for the idea
No idea is a bad idea
Keep going until no ideals left

6. Possible next steps Exam, discuss, clarify each idea / option
Cluster related ideas / options and ‘name’ the cluster
Create a stakeholder matrix
Prioritise the ideas / options for e.g. using voting or ease / benefit

7. Money no object
Time no object
If you were us…
If you were in charge…
Looking back in a year’s time
If you could implement any technology