Brainstorming is a creative process used to generate a number of ideas to generate possible solutions to a problem. The technique has been around for over 70 years and is popular in use, yet, studies show that our brain doesn’t always work the way the technique recommends.

Turns out, we often aren’t capable of showing creativity on command. As it happens, we tend to over-think problems first. Additionally, a brainstorming team always includes participants who don’t feel like participating, are having a bad day, or are overruled by more dominant participants.

Reverse Brainstorming is much more effective. In Reverse Brainstorming, we look at the causes that could make a problem worse. While this might give rise to absurd suggestions, that is, in fact, the strength of Reverse Brainstorming. It stimulates indirect thinking in the team, to arrive at innovative solutions and participate creatively. And this lead to ground breaking solutions.

Here’s how Reverse Brainstorming works in five simple steps:

1. Identify the problem. Describe it and note it down on a large sheet of paper, such as a flip chart, so it’s clear for the participants.

2. Reverse the problem. This means not asking how the problem can be solved, but rather ask the probable causes could make the problem worse or how the opposite effect can be achieved.

3. Collect ideas. All ideas offered by the group to worsen the problem are usable. None of the suggestions can be thrown out. Ideas must flow freely and criticism isn’t welcome during this phase.

4. Reverse ideas. Gathered ideas are now discussed and reversed to be transformed into real solutions to the actual problem.

5. Evaluate solutions. Solutions are now evaluated and the feasibility of those ideas is assessed. Jointly, the group decides what could lead to a real solution.

Reverse Brainstorming is a good technique for creative problem solving. Versus the classic brainstorming technique where the number of the suggested ideas is more important (quantity), than the initial usability of possible solutions (quality), reverse brainstorming encourages you to looking from the opposite point of view. This provides new perspectives which can in turn lead to new, usable ideas.