Brainstorming has helped teams come up with innovative ideas, products, services and solutions for centuries. Today, successful teams use it as a fun yet productive way to generate long lists of problem-solving possibilities. Brainstorming often results in realistic, creative breakthroughs.

Break your brainstorming sessions into two phases. During the first phase the goal is to create a long list of ideas by moving quickly to generate as many good ideas as possible without taking the time to discuss each idea in-depth. Brainstorming provides you with a general focus, and then you can begin to discuss solutions. The second phase is the discussion phase each idea is judged to see whether it could work when factors like time, money, relationships, skills and abilities, available materials, and marketability are considered.

When brainstorming, each personality will be prone to lead and/or participate differently. As a leader it is your job to move the process along and not get sidetracked by the strengths or limitations of any particular color. For example:

Reds are very visionary and are also very bottom-line, cut-to-the-chase people and will have some great practical ideas. They typically feel comfortable risking in a group and creating great energy in the initial idea phase of brainstorming. They may be prone to dominate the process and will want to go straight to the solutions. They may also tend to be critical of ideas suggested.

Blues will be strong in structuring the event and providing clear rules for engagement. They will provide an accurate description of others’ suggestions and pay attention to detail. They will often provide very sound, plausible suggestions in the random idea phase as well as strong focus on quality in the prioritizing phase. They may tend to be serious and want to go too deep discussing each idea in detail during the fast-moving idea creation phase and can be prone to telling stories.

Whites bring even flow and free others to present their ideas free of criticism. They invite others to shine while being comfortable in a supportive role. Their clarity and lack of judgmental regarding others’ comments will prove very helpful. They may tend to sit back and listen and take it all in and will often need encouragement to share – but they see it all and have a lot of valuable insights if encouraged.

Yellows will provide an engaging atmosphere encouraging all to participate with energy and positive invitation. Their creativity is their strong suit along with their willingness to accept different viewpoints. They may struggle with focus (which will frustrate the Reds) and driving the very important second piece of brainstorming which is the prioritizing of suggestions.