10 Tips For a Successful Group Brainstorm

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Clearly de�ne the meeting objectives. �e brainstorm organizer should send relevant information to the team at least 24 hours in advance and encourage individual brainstorming beforehand (30-60 minutes), so that everyone comes with some ideas.

1 SET EXPECTATIONS

2 ASSEMBLE THE RIGHT TEAM

Size the team according to needs, but keep it under seven people. (Experts have found that having too many people makes brainstorms ine�ective.) Assemble a diverse group, including representatives from various backgrounds and disciplines.

3 CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Pick an environment that allows people to think and be creative without distraction. Take advantage of more inspiring settings if the o�ce isn’t quite cutting it.

4 UNPLUG

Don’t allow phones and computers during group brainstorms. Relax, Instagram will still be there a�er.

5 DOCUMENT EVERY IDEA

�e organizer should write down every idea—even those that don't seem appealing at �rst. Try to develop each idea as much as possible before moving on.

6 HOLD BACK CRITICISM

Most ideas are fragile and need time to incubate. Don’t kill them immediately by criticizing. It’s important to build an inclusive environment where good ideas can �ourish.

7Egos are not conducive to collaboration. Help develop other people’s ideas, too. �e best idea is the one that solves the problem—for everyone.

DON’T GET ATTACHED TO YOUR OWN IDEAS

8 COMBINE & IMPROVE IDEAS

Hivemind can be a beautiful thing. Look for ways to combine two ideas to form a single great idea—when it makes sense.

9 STAY FOCUSED

It’s easy to stray o� topic and splinter into side conversations, but it’s important to keep the group focused on the objectives at hand.

10 BREAK WHEN IT MAKE SENSE TO

Break when you have what you need—or if it is clear that what you need is further clari�cation, additional ideas, etc. Don’t bang your head against the wall.

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