Carousel Brainstorming

Carousel brainstorming is one of the best brainstorming techniques used in a group setting. Many become frustrated with brainstorming. When faced with a problem figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. This is especially true when you are working with a group. These brainstorming activities help the team through this.

With this brainstorming method, all members of the group contribute to the discussion. This gives the brainstorming leader the chance to assess the knowledge level of the people in the group. How much do they know and how open they are to accepting responsibility and accountability and how knowledgeable they are in their area.

Carousel Brainstorming Ground Rules

Set the ground rules for brainstorming activities prior to the exercise.

• Set a time limit for the brainstorming session.
• Point out that all ideas are good ideas
• This is not a time for finger pointing or ridicule
• Do not judge ideas when presented to the group
• No talking while people are thinking
• Record each brainstorming idea
• Only the person that offers an idea can rescind the idea
• Everyone takes turns in presenting the idea
• No talking over each other during the idea presentation.
• Someone leads the brainstorm session so the group remains focused on the task at hand

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Large vs. Small Groups

For a large group or people, break the group into smaller groups and send each group to a different preset area. Each group handles a certain aspect of the problem or issue at hand. Place a sign that displays the topic for each group to tackle. Set a time limit for each session and then have the groups move to the next issue. This allows each person to address each issue. Then you come back together as a large group and one by one go through the brainstorming ideas.

For a smaller group, sit in a circle and address each issue one by one. In this type of carousel brainstorming session, the leader announces the topic, and then you go one by one through the group with each person offering a suggestion.