HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL BRAINSTORM SESSION
Atif Hussain
DISCUSS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE
Relate to the big picture
Make sure players realize why they have been invited
Set up the specific goals for the program
SET UP A RELAXED AND OPEN ENVIRONMENT
Try to meet at a fresh location that may be less stressful
Provide refreshments and music upon entering
Eliminate negative or stressful personalities
SET A POSITIVE AND FOCUSED TONE Work to get the team in the mind set of your intended
needs by providing examples or case studies
Use humor and positive examples to encourage ideas
SET THE GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS Make sure presented ideas are NOT challenged or “put
down”
State up front that those who consistently make negative comments will be ejected
HAVE APPROPRIATE TOOLS AVAILABLE Be truly ready
Have a white board or large tablet Assign a scribe Have access to the internet and corporate intranet for quick
reference Make sure you eliminate all interruptions or conflicts
THE MODERATOR - KEY TO SUCCESS Must be someone the group will trust with ideas
Should be confident with subject matter
Should pose questions to get group back on track only when needed
IDEA COLLECTION Set up a relay system to deliver ideas
Have the scribe write large enough so ideas can display and branch off of each other
CREATE ENERGY AROUND THESE NEW IDEAS
Have the team refine and then present the final ideas
Publicly post final ideas
Follow through on best ideas to create energy across the organization