When people get together to focus their skills on an issue, make sure they have a clear understanding of their expected contribution before the session. Distribute a detailed agenda, helpful background information or clearly defined questions to consider in advance. Before brainstorming, divide participants into teams of two to four. Now you're ready for the Five-Minute Brainstorm . The results can be electrifying.
Individuals write their ideas on the scratch paper in silence.
No talking and no discussion. It's think time. Remind everyone that there are no bad ideas. That's all there is to a Five-Minute Brainstorm . It seems simple, and yet you will marvel at the results you get the very first time you try it.