**Annette Dubrouillet**

How to Get Way Beyond Brainstorming

What are the benefits
to your group?

Do you have “analysis
paralysis?”

So you say you’ve got problems. But before you go into the typical brainstorming session, remember what Albert Einstein said:

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

People have a thousand and one reasons not to make decisions and solve problems. And what is so frustrating is that their reasons are probably valid: they may make the wrong decision; they may not have considered the alternatives.

Why is this happening? Because most people in the workplace haven't been taught practical, easy-to-use problem-solving tools. Tools that guarantee they:

• solve the correct problem.

• explore multiple alternatives.

• formulate viable solutions.

• create action plans that ensure action.

Brainlightning brings those tools to the people who need them. It provides concrete ways to ensure they are solving the right problem. It gives them simple techniques to generate myriad possible solutions. It provides them methods to evaluate their alternatives. It guides them through formulation of accountable action plans. And it provides the necessary flexibility so they can adapt the tools to their own environments and situations.

But most of all it shows them that their brains are their own personal generators. They have all this potential in their own minds and just a few simple exercises can release it for them.

In Brainlightning participants learn about the factors that limit their being able to solve problems (Do they work in very left-brain organizations while problem-solving can be a right-brained activity? Are they using “brainstorming” as a process instead of a tool? Are they relying on people to spontaneously generate ideas like mushrooms in the woods?)

Brainlightning can be structured to meet your group’s needs as a keynote, breakout or full-day session. The keynote format highlights all the basic principles with great stories, analogies and several individual activities to thoroughly involve the audience. As a breakout or full-day session Brainlightning takes participants through actual scenarios of problem-solving. They experience all of the steps and many exercises. They leave with concrete tools, a concrete process and the confidence to use Brainlightning in their own environment.

Find the electricity in your groups potential through Brainlightning!

What are the benefits to your group?

• They'll be more effective and efficient at decision-making.

• They'll solve problems, not hesitate.

• They'll feel more confident about making decisions.

• They'll apply a concrete process, not just “wing it.”

• They'll take more initiative.

• They'll implement, not ponder. (No more “analysis paralysis.)

• They'll capitalize on the brainpower they already have!

Do you have
“analysis paralysis?”

Read the following statements and see if any of them sound familiar.

“I know I have to make a decision, I’m just worried I'll make the wrong one!”

“Yes, it's important to bring this to closure, but are we sure we’ve considered all the alternatives?”

" If we just sit on this, maybe it'll just go away by itself.”

“But that solution may not be the best way.”

“That idea will never work.”

“We tried that idea last year.”

“All we have to is brainstorm ideas!”

Recognizing any of these statements means you (or a team member) probably have “analysis paralysis” – the inability to move quickly and efficiently to solve problems and make decisions. You need a new understanding of the problem solving process and a new way of looking at decision-making.