5 Ground Rules for facilitating a brainstorming session

Upcoming brainstorming session on the schedule? We have some go-to bits of advice for you to incorporate into your next team brainstorming meeting to ensure that the time together is a success! These are the 5 ground rules for facilitation a brainstorming session for you and your team.

Rule #1 – There are no dumb ideas
Encourage your team to share any and all ideas throughout the process. Make the disclaimer at the start of the session that each idea is a great one and could lead to a stream of thoughts that could benefit the rest of the group.

Rule #2 – Replace any instances of ‘but’ with ‘and’
Use any idea as a chance to build on ideas and not tear them down. Instead of rebutting an idea, add to it and see where it could lead. This also goes back to the first rule of encouraging everyone to share everything. Create a safe space.

Rule #3 – The more the better
You want to focus on the number of ideas as well. The more you throw out there, the more you can evolve ideas into something really spectacular. Consider a speed round of sorts to get team members to not second guess their ideas and contribute to the number of ideas in the group.

Rule #4 – Everyone participates
As a facilitator, you will need to keep up with who is and is not contributing. No need to call anyone out on this, but encourage those who have not spoken up to share what they are thinking. The more quiet team members may have been in deep thought over an idea and just haven’t felt confident enough to share just yet. Give them the opportunity to contribute.

Rule #5 – No distractions
Tell team members to silence phones and shut down laptops. You may need to collect all technology at the start of the meeting if you are worried about team members being tempted to check those notifications. Use your own discretion.

These quick and easy rules can really improve a brainstorming session for your team and company! Try them out next time you have a session on your calendar. Make sure to go over the rules before starting the meeting as well to set expectations!

Need help with facilitating a brainstorming session? Check out our sketchnote services to help get ideas flowing!

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Lisa

Visual Thinker | Graphic Recorder | Sketchnote Artist at See In Colors

Lisa Nelson loves combining art with life. She is the Founder and Chief Visual Strategist of See In Colors where she leads a team that designs, facilitates, and captures conversations with hand-drawn pictures. By blending the power of visuals, communication and project management, Lisa helps organization have impact for social change. See In Colors is based in the Washington, D.C. area and serves clients world-wide.