You can collect good ideas with various brainstorming methods. So that these are not lost, you should record your thoughts and ideas immediately. We’ve put together tips for collecting and holding on to you.

What is brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a specific way of generating ideas. This is now one of the classic creative methods for collecting and recording ideas. It should save valuable time and money in meetings and promote productivity. And the principle is very simple: a group of people get together and spontaneously share ideas on a specific topic or problem for a certain period of time. So it is a kind of mind game that is supposed to stimulate the brain and promote creativity. The lively exchange gives rise to numerous new combinations of ideas. After the first phase (30-45 minutes) a second phase follows at the same time. The ideas are evaluated here. This is also a good method for learning.

Important rules for brainstorming

In order for ideas to be collected and recorded within the group to work well, a few rules are needed. However, these should not restrict the participants, but give them the freedom to exchange ideas freely. You should therefore heed the following rules:

• Criticism is undesirable. Every idea counts in the brainstorming process. Therefore there is no right or wrong.
• quantity instead of quality. First, the quality of the idea does not matter. Because this can sometimes produce new ideas.
• Ideas are for everyone. This means that someone else can and should use your idea and develop it further if necessary. Because this is how the best results can be achieved.
• Set no limits. There should be no limits to creativity and imagination. Possibly the best solutions lie in the absurd thoughts.

What brainstorming methods are there?

There are different brainstorming methods that are suitable for collecting ideas within the group. The best known is to collect ideas verbally in a group and record them in writing. But also brainstorming methods, in which people try to solve the problem from the perspective of another person, are often used. As an individual, it makes sense to record ideas in writing with a mind map. Asking questions instead of looking for answers can also be effective. Try it on the topic of saving electricity or with the question of how you would like to organize your retirement provision.

How can I best capture ideas?

Good and interesting ideas often come as fast as lightning. But as quickly as they come, they’re gone if you don’t hold on to the ideas. Because the great ideas, creative and lateral thoughts know no time of day or night. Therefore, you should heed a few tips to capture your ideas:

• Always have a small notepad and pen with you. Then immediately put the ideas down on paper.
• Place a small notebook on the bedside tables. Short notes in keywords are often enough to remember the content later.
• While driving, you simply tell the ideas to the person opposite you. Or consciously build mnemonic bridges in order to put them down in writing at the next best opportunity.
• You can also save notes on your cell phone while you’re on the go. If you don’t have any other writing materials with you.