Brainstorming can be a very successful to map out problems and search for viable solutions. However, managing a brainstorm sessions is the number one way to make or break the session. In this article you will get to know the dos and don'ts of managing a brainstorm session.

It's even starts before actually brainstorming. The problem must be well defined to avoid unrelated ideas. Brainstorm sessions can last up to six hours if the subject is defined to wide. If it's defined to narrow the productivity will decrease significantly.

After you have defined the session, it is important to formulate some initial questions. The more questions you have, the more related answers you get. Remember, with brainstorming it is about related idea quantity first and quality second. Make also sure that you have adequate tools to record the questions. A white board won't do it since it slows down ideas.

You should use some brainstorm management tools to get the job done. Also make sure that all participants actively take part of the session. Give everyone opportunity to speak and do not let others ridicule ideas. Ideas that sound stupid at first, might inspire other ideas that are good.

After you recorded every single idea, it is evaluation time. Here is where so go through each idea and discuss the quality of the solution. You can do this with the same participant or only with the managers. It doesn't really matter how you do it. Also take into account what resources and assets each solution requires, before deciding it quality. You can use criteria for example to rank the ideas.