This was a workshop hosted at AESP's National Conference in 2018. Finding good answers in the increasingly fast-paced energy efficiency business environment can make the difference between finding a competitive edge or being left in the dust. Brainstorming is one of the most common ways to identify actionable ideas. Yet numerous studies have shown that typical group brainstorming is not very effective. In fact, it has been shown that solo head scratching can often generate better ideas. The best path, however, is a hybrid of these two methodologies. This session will demonstrate a proven enhanced brainstorming process that avoids the pitfalls of conventional brainstorming sessions, taking advantage of the creative mind. This session will be conducted as an actual brainstorming session, with full attendee participation, demonstrating successful brainstorming approaches. For this, we will identify an issue that is important to our industry and brainstorm solutions. In keeping with the spirit of brainstorming, we want AESP’s creative minds to help choose that topic, and we will solicit ideas from your conference committee.
3. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
The Brainstorming Process
STEP 1: GENERATE
• Privately write ideas
on post-it notes
• 1 idea per card
• Post lots of ideas
• Wild ideas are good
4. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
The Brainstorming Process
STEP 2: EVALUATE
• Vote for 3 ideas that
achieve the goal
• Move the best ideas to
the top of the board
• Did any good ideas not
get votes? Keep them.
5. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
The Brainstorming Process
STEP 3: FACILITATE
• Keep group focused
• Prioritize ideas
• Ask: “What else?”
• What else can we do
to reach the goal
faster, easier, etc.?
6. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
New Orleans was devastated
by Katrina in 2005. Puerto Rico
was hit by Hurricane Maria five
months ago.
7. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
Neither has fully recovered.
8. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
What approaches could be taken by
the efficiency and clean energy
industry to help reduce the negative
effects of natural disasters and how
can the industry help lead efficiency-
focused restoration efforts?
9. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - #AESP18
Methodology Takeaways
§Everyone contributes
§No one person dominates
the process
§More ideas generated
§More collaboration
Do you need a collaboration tool for remote teams?
Check out www.stormboard.com.
10. AESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE – #AESP18
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!
WE’LL SEE YOU AT
AESP 2018 SPRING CONFERENCE
MAY 21-23 | ATLANTA, GA
