One of the most common misconceptions about brainstorming is that it's a free-flowing meeting without rules and structure. This is simply not true. Brainstorming is serious business and, in order to be effective, absolutely needs structure and ground rules.
Using Osborn's principles for effective brainstorming, there are four general rules for a brainstorming meeting:
There are no dumb ideas: Again, every brainstorming session should yield a couple of quirky ideas. Ideas should not be labeled as a sign of a person's intelligence (or lack thereof). They should be considered as a sign of a person's willingness to contribute.
Every idea should be welcomed: We're not at the evaluation phase of the process. Even if it's obvious that the idea will be ultimately rejected. Brainstorming is just about idea generation.
Positively contribute to other people's ideas: When you can make an idea clearer or better, add to the conversation. A variation of an idea can bring...