↗️ A better way to brainstorm
🕑 3 min Read
I admit: I am a somewhat slow, deep thinker 🐌. I need at least a moment to 'boot up' my thinking when prompted something. That's why I always felt that 'typical' team brainstorming sessions favor the louder, more expressive, verbal thinkers. I frankly hated those sessions a lot. Turns out there is an easy way to fix that and make it easier for people like me. 👇
For group sizes up to ~7:
1️⃣ ALONE: Give everyone some time to think for themselves first. (3-5 min is often plenty!)
2️⃣ EVERYONE: Only then invite sharing on team/all level.
Or, if you have more time or more people:
1️⃣ ALONE: Give everyone some time to think for themselves first. (5min)
2️⃣ GROUP: Then invite them to share with their group, i.e. neighbors or table. (5min)
3️⃣ EVERYONE: Only then invite sharing on team/all level.
This makes almost certain that:
⚈ everyone gets to talk, as part of this process
⚈ good ideas have a high chance to surface
⚈ there is safety in small numbers
⚈ different styles get a chance (quieter as well as 'louder')
⚈ once at group/all level, some idea 'refinement' has already happened
⚈ more people get a chance to get recognized for ideas. It's inclusive.
This process has become a staple in my toolbox and I can't recommend it enough 🧰!
It's also a very coach-like way to give everyone in a larger group a voice!
Try it out! What other ways of inclusive team brainstorming are you using?
Maik
Maik Frank
Maik is a PCC Executive Coach and the founder of IntelliCoach.com. He has coached and trained over 400 People Leaders to improve their communication skills and offers guaranteed measurable growth to his clients. He also hosts the Coaching Leader Podcast.
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