Once there was a work group that was generating ideas for a solution to an ongoing work problem. Whenever an idea was proposed, someone would immediately declare it either a "good" idea or a "bad" idea. Most ideas were rejected. Soon no one had any ideas to suggest, as the environment had become very idea-hostile.

After 45 minutes of struggling, they were totally exhausted and had three mundane and unremarkable ideas from which to select. Motivation and commitment to address the problem waned. The work problem continued.

Often our ability to evaluate and analyze ideas curtails our creativity and yet creative problem solving is a valued skill set in the workplace. Consider being a shepherd of ideas—you will notice an increase in your effectiveness in your workplace teams.

A few brainstorming tips:

		Agree on the central question or issue. Get agreement not to evaluate suggestions. Record all ideas—from the mundane to the ridiculous. If someone accidentally criticizes an idea, record his or her rejection as an idea.
		Notice that ideas often come in the form of a question. "What if we do...?" "Could we possibly try...?" "What about...?" Resist the temptation to answer the question. Instead recognize it as an idea and recommend that it be considered.
		You can trust yourself and others not to implement unworkable ideas, so there is no risk in letting ideas percolate and finding what is useful about them.

		To inquire about classes at your workplace, contact us:
		Janie Trainor: jtrainor@novaworks.org
		Marsha Austin: maustin@novaworks.org
		www.pepskills.org