As an editor, I occasionally like to look into word/phrase history. Having ardor for the written word does this to us linguaphiles. So, let's talk about brainstorming.
As a channels editor, I brainstorm quite frequently with many of our sponsors especially when it comes to feature story ideas. But what does it really mean to brainstorm? When you think of brainstorming, do you honestly feel as if the gray matter inside your skull is thundering, raining, and bringing on a cold front? Maybe in the figurative sense. But let us look at today's work hero and why we as professionals have learned brainstorm ideas.
source: Worst Case Scenario: Workplace Desktop Calendar
Alex F. Osborn was born in NYC this day in 1888. Osborn came up with the idea of brainstorming sessions after he noticed that some of the junior people in his advertising agency weren't speaking up at meetings. He created the following four rules to define brainstorming:
1. Defer judgement. No idea is a bad idea.
2. The wilder the idea, the better. It's easier to streamline than to create anew.
3. The more ideas, the better.
4. People should contribute new ideas in addition to attempting to improve and incorporate others' ideas.
Osborn's approch is explained in his 1953 book, Applied Imagination.
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