10 Brainstorming Rules to Foster Creativity and Innovation in Idea Generation Sessions. New ideas and innovative solutions are essential to any business. Yet, many brainstorming sessions fail due to a lack of psychological safety—when people fear sharing their ideas might lead to criticism or embarrassment. Research by Google found that teams with psychological safety significantly outperform others in fostering innovation.

For leaders and managers, creating an environment where team members feel safe to contribute is key to unlocking their full creative potential. By establishing clear norms and behaviors, you can encourage openness and trust. This article introduces our BRAINSTORM coaching model—a framework of 10 brainstorming rules to create an effective environment for idea generation.

The BRAINSTORM Model: 10 Brainstorming Rules

B: Be Open

• Cultivate an open mindset by suspending judgment.
• Replace “but” with “and” to encourage positive thinking.
• Stay curious and explore ideas without filters.

R: Respect Each Other

• Embrace the diversity of knowledge and perspectives in the group.
• Listen actively to differing viewpoints.
• Challenge familiar ideas respectfully to uncover new possibilities.

A: All Ideas Matter

• Value every contribution, no matter how unconventional.
• Remember: even “crazy” ideas can lead to breakthroughs.

I: Invite Contributions

• Facilitate participation from everyone, including introverts and extroverts.
• Use questions and reflection to draw out quieter team members.

N: No Negativity

• Postpone judgment and criticism until the evaluation stage.
• Focus on building on each other’s ideas to expand the creative pool.

S: Strive for Quantity

• Use divergent thinking techniques to generate as many ideas as possible.
• Remember Thomas Edison’s advice: “To have a great idea, have a lot of them.”

T: Take Turns Talking

• Ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their ideas.
• Break into smaller groups if necessary to foster deeper engagement.

O: Originality Is a Plus

• Encourage bold, unusual, or “impossible” ideas.
• Use them as a springboard to stretch the team’s imagination.

R: Regularly Take Breaks

• Build in breaks to give participants time to rest and reflect.
• Fresh air and relaxation help the brain incubate ideas.

M: Make It Fun

• Incorporate fun locations, materials, and activities to energize the group.
• Use icebreakers to reset the mood when sessions become too serious.

Managers and leaders hold the key to unlocking the creative potential of their teams. By adopting the 10  brainstorming rules in the BRAINSTORM model, you can establish a safe, collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to share ideas. When people feel confident enough to contribute, the stage is set for innovation to thrive and solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Key Takeaways

• Psychological safety is critical for effective brainstorming.
• The BRAINSTORM model promotes openness, respect, and creativity.
• Structured brainstorming rules can transform the effectiveness of idea generation sessions.

About the Author

Gabriella Goddard is the CEO & Coaching Director at Brainsparker Academy, specializing in helping leaders and teams innovate and lead effectively. Follow her on LinkedIn or visit her website.