We present a few methods and techniques below, which could be tried and used if suitable for the situation.

Brain writing: Get a group of people and have them write their ideas on their own sheet of paper. After 10 minutes, rotate the sheets to different people and build off what the others wrote on their paper. Continue until everyone has written on everyone else’s sheet.

Reversed brainstorming: Collect ideas on how to cause a problem – a problem that is to be solved, e.g.: what should I do in order that the employees do not find me with their innovative ideas.

Starbursting: Its goal is rather to raise questions around a given problem than to find a solution (e.g. the identification of the potential customers of a new product). Someone brings an idea (e.g. a new product needs to be introduced), the others start asking questions like who are the target groups, ask more and more special and deep questions. The aim is to go around the idea thoroughly before starting to implement it.

Pecha Kucha: A visual technique where an idea is presented by using visual elements without any words.

Rolestorming: What would you do if you were someone else? Your parent? Your teacher? Your manager? Your partner? Your best friend? Your enemy? Etc.?

Reverse Thinking: Think about what everyone will typically do in your situation. Then do the opposite.

SWOT Analysis: Do a SWOT of your situation – What are the Strengths? Weaknesses? Opportunities? Threats? The analysis will open you up to ideas you may not be aware before.

Gap Filling: Identify your current spot – Point A – and your end goal – Point B. What is the gap that exists between A and B? What are all the things you need to fill up this gap? List them down and find out what it takes to get them.