Better Ways To Do Your Brainstorming

9 August, 2020

Unlock More Ideas. Drive Smarter Innovation.

Brainstorming is one of the most commonly used tools in business—but let’s face it, most brainstorming sessions fall flat. They can be dominated by a few voices, filled with vague ideas, or lack a clear outcome. The good news? There are better, smarter ways to brainstorm.

At Flame Consulting Limited, we coach teams to rethink brainstorming—making it more structured, inclusive, and effective. Below are 7 powerful ways to take your brainstorming sessions to the next level and start generating ideas that actually drive results.

1. Define the Problem Clearly

Before jumping into ideas, make sure everyone understands what you’re trying to solve. A well-defined problem statement sets the direction and avoids scattered thinking.

💡 Instead of: “Let’s brainstorm marketing ideas,”
Try: “How can we increase organic leads by 20% in Q3 without raising ad spend?”

2. Use the “Silent Start” Method

Loud voices often dominate open discussions. A silent start allows every participant to jot down ideas individually before sharing. This promotes diverse thinking and gives introverts space to contribute.

✅ Try using sticky notes, digital whiteboards, or idea cards to capture input anonymously.

3. Brainstorm in Rounds

Instead of one big open session, try structured rounds. In each round, every team member contributes one idea. You can go several rounds, with the option to build on others’ ideas as you go.

🔄 This keeps the energy flowing and prevents early ideas from setting the tone too narrowly.

4. Apply “Yes, And…” Thinking

Brainstorming isn’t the time for criticism. Encourage a “Yes, and…” mindset to build on ideas rather than shut them down. This approach fosters creativity and psychological safety.

❌ “That won’t work because…”
✅ “Yes, and we could also try…”

5. Use Frameworks to Spark Ideas

Blank slates can be intimidating. Use creative thinking tools like:

SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt…)
Mind Mapping
The 5 Whys
Worst Idea First (then flip it into something usable!)

🧠 Frameworks help spark lateral thinking and unexpected ideas.

6. Limit the Time, Not the Thinking

Keep brainstorming sessions short and focused—20 to 30 minutes max per topic. You’ll get sharper ideas when there’s urgency and clarity. If more time is needed, take a break and reconvene.

⏱️ Time pressure boosts focus and filters out rambling.

7. Capture and Prioritize Immediately

Too many brainstorming sessions end with sticky notes everywhere—and no action. Always document the session, group similar ideas, and vote or score them based on feasibility and impact.

🎯 Bonus Tip: Assign someone to lead the next steps or prototype the top idea.

Final Thoughts

Better brainstorming isn’t about more people or more time—it’s about better structure and better facilitation. When done right, it becomes a powerful engine for innovation, problem-solving, and team alignment.

At Flame Consulting Limited, we specialize in designing and facilitating dynamic brainstorming and innovation workshops for organizations of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a strategy sprint, launching a new product, or solving internal challenges, we can help you make your ideas count.

Need help leading your next brainstorming session?
👉 Book a facilitation session or Contact us for a your consultation.