Rules+of+Engagement

Brainstorming **Rules for Brainstorming**
 * **No Criticism** Allowed People tend to automatically evaluate each suggested idea--their own as well as others. Both internal and external criticism are to be avoided while brainstorming. Neither positive nor negative comments are allowed. Either type inhibits the free flow of thought and requires time which interferes with the next rule. Write each spoken idea down as it is given and move on.
 * **Work for Quantity** Alex Osborn stated that "Quantity breeds quality." People must experience a "brain drain" (get all the common responses out of the way) before the innovative, creative ideas can surface; therefore, the more ideas, the more likely they are to be quality ideas.
 * **Hitchhiking Welcome** Hitchhiking occurs when one member's idea produces a similar idea or an enhanced idea in another member. All ideas should be recorded.
 * **Freewheeling Encouraged** Outrageous, humorous, and seemingly unimportant ideas should be recorded. It is not uncommon for the most off-the-wall ideas to yield significant inventions

**Finding Ideas** **Look at a familiar object like a pencil sharpener or recycle bin then try these steps to generate new ideas:**
 * **S**ubstitute - What else instead? Who else instead? Other ingredients? Other material? Other power? Other place?
 * **C**ombine - How about a blend, an ensemble? Combine purposes? Combine appeals?
 * **A**dapt - What else is like this? What other idea does this suggest? Is there something you're familiar with that is similar to this? How could this be adapted?
 * **M**inify - Order, form, shape? What to add?
 * **M**agnify - Greater frequency? Higher? Longer? Thicker?
 * **P**ut to other uses - New ways to use as is? Other uses I modified? Other places to use? Other people to reach?
 * **E**liminate - What to subtract? Smaller? Condensed? Miniature? Lower? Shorter? Lighter? Omit? Streamline?
 * **R**everse - Interchange components? Other pattern?
 * **R**earrange - Other layout? Other sequence? Transpose cause and effect? Change pace? Transpose positive and negative? How about opposites? Turn it backward? Turn it upside-down? Reverse roles?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Being Politely Critical** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Think about how the partner will receive what you say <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Can you get to the same point by asking a question? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Nudge partners to see things from another perspective <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Keep it specific about particular parts <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Avoid being judgmental, or condescending <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n If you must be negative, try to first find some specific and positive to share with the partner

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Sounds Like:** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n Did you think about …? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n You might want to consider … <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n I particularly liked … <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n I found it challenging to work with you when … <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n How do you think I felt when you ? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">n I like what you said about...

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Reaching Consensus** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">**Procedure** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Once the decision has been made, act upon what you decided.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Trust each other. This is not a competition; everyone must not be afraid to express their ideas and opinions.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Make sure everyone understands the topic/problem. While building a consensus make sure everyone is following, listening to,and understanding each other.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">All members should contribute their ideas and knowledge related to the subject.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Stay on the task. You may disagree, that is OK and healthy. However, you must be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an agreement.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Separate the issue from the personalities. This is not a time to disagree just because you don't like someone.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Spend some time on this process. Being quick is not a sign of quality. The thought process needs to be drawn out some.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Agree on your objectives for the task/project,expectations, and rules (see guidelines above).
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Define the problem or decision to be reached by consensus.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Figure out what must be done to reach a solution.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Brainstorm possible solutions
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Discuss pros and cons of the narrowed down list of ideas/solutions.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Adjust, compromise, and fine tune the agreed upon idea/solution so //all// group members are satisfied with the result.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Make your decision. If a consensus isn't reached, review and/or repeat steps one through six.