Set Up The Context
Explain the problem that needs to be addressed clearly. Define together the rules of engagement in the brainstorming meeting for maximum effectiveness.
More Is More
Gather as many ideas as possible and document all of the ideas being shared, regardless of how unobvious they seem. Many ideas will not be used, but they are crucial to the process to give a wholesome view on the problem addressed.
No Judgment
All ideas are documented without judgment, analysis or debate. Respect the person sharing and the ideas presented. This fosters a welcoming, encouraging and creative space, and overall psychological safety.
Stay Focused
Creative ideas can also build excitement and distract participants. Designate a facilitator that is responsible with reminding everyone the rules of the activity and the problem being addressed.
Keep It Fun
Allow for jokes, a relaxed atmosphere, colourful tools (post its, mind maps, online platforms) that encourage open thinking and not boxing or structuring ideas.
Choose a Technique That Works With The Group
If there is power imbalance in the group, people with less authority might fall into groupthink, which means agreeing with one individual’s ideas without proposing personal idea, so in this case brain writing or step ladder techniques work better.
Ensure Everybody Shares Their Ideas
Each team member brings a unique perspective to the problem and the benefit of having variery is that it can lead to a comprehensive solution. Techniques like Round Robin or Step Ladder give nobody a chance to avoid sharing.