5. Make sure the group understands that “piggybacking” off someone else’s idea is useful.

Combine ideas; add to previous ideas. Adopt the philosophy that once an idea is presented to the group, no one owns it. It belongs to the group, and anyone can modify it.

Based upon original suggestions from Alex Osborn, group facilitator Bob Eberle developed a list of ways to build on the ideas of others using the acronym SCAMPER.53 Here are his suggestions:

■ Substitute something.

■ Combine it with something else.

■ Adapt something to it.

■ Modify or magnify it.

■ Put it to some other use.

■ Eliminate something.

■ Reverse or rearrange it.

As you hear ideas and suggestions from others, use the SCAMPER list to transform the ideas of others into even more creative options.