1. Explain
the process. The meeting facilitator
should clearly outline the process and
guidelines.
2. Explain
the problem for which ideas are needed.
What is the question to be answered or the problem to be solved?
3. Gather
ideas. A trigger may help, such as a
creativity exercise or describing an idea that was successful.
4. Capture
all ideas publicly. You can list them
directly on a flip chart or have people write them on sticky notes which are
then posted on the walls or flipchart.
ALL ideas must be captured and there should be no judging of ideas at
this point. (If you're meeting virtually, there are virtual whiteboard or sticky notes apps that you can use)
5. Sort
the ideas. Group similar or related
ideas - the sticky notes can be helpful here because you can easily rearrange
them.
6. Cull
the ideas. Now apply judgment, within an environment of mutual respect, and
decide which ideas are best to pursue – discuss each idea and vote. For
example, you can ask each person to put a dot or checkmark next to the top
three ideas.
7.
Prioritize
the remaining ideas. Have the group decide the order of importance.
8. Decide what will happen next with the top few ideas. Define the next steps for moving the idea further along the process - this may include steps such as presenting the idea to senior management, gathering feasibility data, etc.