business

If I give you a dollar and you give me a dollar, we both have one dollar. But if I give you an idea and you give me an idea, we each have two ideas.

That's the power of brainstorming: creating a lot of ideas to help solve problems or do things better.

Brainstorming is creativity at its grass roots. Unfortunately, most of us have been in brainstorming sessions when something destroys the mood that allows people to openly express their ideas. It can be as simple as a snicker or a laugh.

When you're brainstorming, rule No. 1 should be that there are no bad ideas.

Here are some brainstorm killers to avoid if you want your session to be profitable -- and the remedies I recommend for each:

• Allow criticism. Nothing will kill a brainstorming session faster. No one should laugh at another's idea or shake their head in disgust.

• Don't have any fun. Brainstorming is supposed to be fun. Laughter relaxes people. You have to create a relaxed atmosphere to get people in the mood to brainstorm ideas.

• Favor some ideas. Every idea is equal. You can't play favorites. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad idea in a brainstorming session. Some turkey suggestions can turn into soaring eagles.

• Everyone speaks only when it is his or her turn. Brainstorming is improvisation. Spontaneity is important. Allow participants to share ideas whenever inspiration hits. Take advantage of flashes of genius.

• The boss has a lead role. There is no problem with the boss being on hand, but he or she is on an even footing with everyone else.

• Type of participants isn't important. If you truly want to brainstorm a problem, you need people from sales, customer service and production. "Outsiders" provide different points of view. But you can't have forced participation. People should want to be there. And employees can't be afraid of "consequences" if they say the wrong thing.

• Write everything down. I can't tell you how many times I've been in brainstorming sessions where every idea gets written on a board and the time delay slows the creativity process. Have a note-taker who can write fast or knows shorthand -- or maybe have two people take notes so you don't miss anything. But don't slow down the creative process.

• Don't set any ground rules. Set a time limit. Let people know what to expect.

• Bad atmosphere. On-site is best, but the setting needs to be comfortable and free of distractions. Pick a time when people are fresh and not rushed.

• Lack of a skilled facilitator. You need someone who can keep things moving, fun and focused on the task at hand. Look for someone who will stop any criticism of ideas and keep the boss in his or her place.

• Don't act on any ideas. If your company has a history of not following through on anything, employees will view the exercise as a waste of time.

Mackay's Moral: Minds are like parachutes -- not much good unless they are open.