The leader should try to keep the brainstorming on subject, and should try to steer it towards the development of some practical solutions. .
• Participants in the brainstorming process should come from as wide a range of disciplines with as broad a range of experience as possible. People with different backgrounds will come think of creative ideas in a group setting. .
• Brainstormers should be encouraged to have fun brainstorming, coming up with as many ideas as possible, from solidly practical ones to wildly impractical ones in an environment where creativity is the key to the session. .
• Do not make fund of wild ideas from fellow team members. Criticism introduces an element of risk for a group member in putting forward an idea. This stifles creativity and cripples the free running nature of a good brainstorming session. .
• Brainstormers should not only come up with new ideas in a brainstorming session, but should also 'spark off' from associations with other people's ideas and develop other grassroots ideas. .
Keep a record of the session either as notes or as a tape recording. Study the notes consequently for evaluation. A great idea is to use a whiteboard to write down notes during the brainstorming session, so all team members can view the results. The idea of brainstorming is to clear your mind and piggyback on each other's thoughts. .
Effective communication is not effective unless you stop wondering off in space, thinking about trivial matters, and start listening. According to Tools for Teams, "If your group meeting is to achieve its objectives, you need to demonstrate the listening skills. Effective listening reduces misunderstandings, improves the focus of the discussion, and encourages good listening skills, if you do, you can keep the discussion focused on the issues and facilitate critical thinking." Without good listening skills, the team objectives will break down.