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