How to make sure lightning actually strikes at your
brainstorming meeting  I love working with other people to come
up with ideas. But in general, I can't stand most organized
brainstorming sessions.  The intent of such gatherings is
admirable but such gatherings often fail to produce the desired
result: Like the killer idea that helps win a new account,
generates  a more efficient work process, or makes for the most
"fun annual outing" ever. Every day, hundreds of companies and
organizations herd people in to rooms to come up with the next
big thing. What they often get is a room full of people looking
constantly at their watches or daydreaming about the spareribs
they're going to eat later.  But no one appreciates something
that works more than a skeptic. And I have experienced
brainstorming that has produced very good results. Now having a
"rule book" for something designed to generate a free flow of
ideas seems a little obsurd to me. So, here's a brief review of
what can work in brainstorming and what to