The six key things you need to do for effective brainstorming plus two pre steps

1. Effective
Brainstorming
In Six Steps
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2. Confirm
Required
Outcome
Work
Backwards
Identify Key
Steps
Allocate
Timeline For
Each Step
Print Out
Confirm
Steps are in
Correct
Order
1
2
3
4
5
6
Steps
Mediums !
• Whiteboard
• Apps:
• Laptop
• Desktop
• Tablet
• Paper
The objective is
to use a systems
approach i.e.
work backwards
from the desired
outcome
The Sequence

3. Pre-Plan 1
Do some basic
research
regarding the
subject matter
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4. Pre-Plan 2
Decide on how
you are going
to conduct the
brainstorming
session:
• Butcher's paper
• Whiteboard
• Electronic
Whiteboard
• Software eg Vimeo
• Online meeting tool
such as Mindmeister
• Tablet with App eg
SG Project Pro or
Padlet
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5. Step 1
Confirm the
client's
desired
outcome by
asking what
their end
game is e.g.
increase
housing
stocks
Official opening of Salmon Gum Place, Woodanilling WA

6. Step 2
Work
backwards
from the
outcome
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7. Step 3
Identify the
key steps:
Use a mind
map
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8. Mind Map
Increase housing
stocks
Order
transportable
home
Install new
home
Buy land
Prepare
block
Confirm
model
Connect
services
Oversee
transit
Confirm
uplift
Review
display
homes
Place
order
Submit
offer
Arrange
settlement
Find
suitable
block
Prepare
sand pad
Level
block
Install
fencing
Install
driveway

9. Step Resources Who When
Buy land
Order
transportable
home
Prepare
block
Install new
home
Step 4
Put the steps
in the correct
order

10. Step Resources Who When
Buy land $50,000 MD Jan
Order
transportable
home
$250,000 SF Feb
Prepare
block
$25,000 WS Mar
Install new
home
$25,000 WS May
Step 5
Allocate the
timeline,
resources
and who is
responsible
for each step

11. Step 6
Print out the
end result:
From an
electronic
whiteboard
Take a photo of
the whiteboard
Some apps will
convert the
mind map to a
presentation or
document
Elected Members and CEOs - Northern Country Zone, WA

12. The Presenter
• Sean Fletcher is the Principal
Consultant at Strategic Teams
based in Perth, Western
Australia.
• He is also a training
consultant with WALGA and a
former local government CEO.
• Sean holds qualifications in
management, and regional
development. He is also a
member of the LGMA.