The facilitator role is a key role in brainstorming sessions. A strong facilitator is necessary to bring out ideas and keep the session moving forward and the participants focused. The facilitator does not participate in the session.
The facilitator of brainstorming sessions has the following responsibilities:
- Keep the ideas flowing from participants in the session through the use of phrases such as: “keep ‘em coming!” “More ideas!” “What else can we add?”
- Enforce the ground rules developed by Alex Osborne:
- Quantity, not quality
- No criticism allowed
- Crazy ideas are welcome
- Combine and build on ideas presented
- Capture what participants say on the flip chart as they said it; don’t change the words on them. If an idea is too long, ask the participant how it might be reduced to 5 – 7 words.
The best facilitators for brainstorming sessions are:
- Unbiased
- Supportive of ideas
- Encouraging
- Energetic (high energy)
- Good listeners
They follow the rules of brainstorming and keep the team focused on moving forward in accomplishing the goal of the brainstorming session.
