Activites Resource Center

Department of Campus Activities

Leadership Handouts University of Houston
Personal Development Series

Brainstorming
Brainstorming is an activity designed to help groups generate many ideas and suggestions in a short time. It can
be used to find ideas for projects, to help you visualize possible problems and to suggest solutions.

Rules for Brainstorming

1. Evaluation and criticism by group members is forbidden.

2. All contributions are to be encouraged – every idea counts, no matter how silly or impossible it may
sound to you.
3. Quantity is the goal – generate as may ideas as possible – the greater the number of ideas, the more
likely the chance of getting good ones.

To Brainstorm
1. RELAX. Brainstorming is anything but a rigid and formal exercise. If you are comfortable you will
brainstorm much easier, and it will be more enjoyable. Everyone in the group should be able to see each other.
2. SELECT A SCRIBE. Someone should write down the ideas as they develop (two people should
record if the ideas start pouring in).
3. DEFINE THE “PROBLEM”. Identify what you want to brainstorm: new projects, solutions to
problems, publicity, etc.
4. STORM! Have everyone in the group blurt out all ideas pertaining to the subject. Discussing the
ideas comes later. Don’t worry if any ideas might be considered silly. Often such suggestions turn out to be
extremely useful.
5. REVIEW YOUR IDEAS. After you have exhausted you group’s mental reservoir, examine your ideas.
Set aside the good ones and concentrate on the (seemingly) useless ones. Examine those useless ideas for the
kernel of truth each contains. You might have to brainstorm further, but it will be worth it! Most really creative
ideas come from unexpected sources!
6. DECIDE. After generating a laundry list of ideas, the group should discuss which ideas they would
like to pursue. Whatever ideas are selected, be certain to keep the group informed and involved in the process
so that they buy into the decision.

Helpful Hints
Using brainstorming with a group that is unfamiliar with the concept can be difficult. To help break the ice,
form a circle and have each person very quickly name something in a category like ‘the most unusual names to
describe basic colors.’ This should get your group ready to brainstorm. Other types of brainstorming come in
the form of ‘break the ice’ in an effort to get ideas and energy flowing in groups.

There are numerous resources in print that offer unique and traditional icebreaking and energizing activities.
Additionally, staff in Campus Activities can assist in selecting the appropriate game for your group’s needs and
get the results being sought.

Department of Campus Activities University Center Underground, Room 51 713-743-5180 www.uh.edu/ca