Brainstorm Rule: Defer Judgment

Deferring Judgment is a vital rule to adhere to when conducting a Brainstorm. To defer judgment, don't stop to evaluate any ideas during the brainstorm and never ever say that an idea is stupid or won't work. This rule will keep the momentum going and keep the group coming up with new ideas. Nothing kills the energy in a brainstorm faster than criticism. Not to mention that the person who offered the idea will feel embarrassed and will be less likely to continue contributing. There will be plenty of time after the brainstorm to go through all the ideas and weed out the gems.

Shooting down other people's ideas is just a cheap way to demonstrate your own superiority. In reality, it shows your inflexibility and will make people not want you to participate in their future brainstorms.