We’re seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic and many of us are still working remotely. Though we’ve been impressed with how productive we really have been working from home (all while juggling kids, dogs and/or spouses invading our workspaces) there are still some things we would prefer to do in person. Team brainstorming is definitely one of them. But it CAN be done virtually, and well if you’re thoughtful about your approach.
It’s hard to think creatively in times of stress, yet—you don’t want to be creating in a vacuum. It’s important to keep your teams feeling connected to the work and exercising their creative collaboration muscles.
In the best brainstorms, we take one concept from one team member and build on it (or, stealing from the improv world, “yes, and…”). The initial idea becomes better and more focused—to the point that you can’t really remember who came up with it in the first place and everyone feels ownership in the process.
Brainstorming, when done right following the tips below, creates a culture of creative collaboration that will extend well beyond one session. This lays the foundation for psychological safety where wild ideas are allowed to roam free—on their journey to become the next great thing. Creative collaboration ensures that team members are encouraged (and become eager) to share ideas, build one another up and understand that their contributions are valued.
This CAN be achieved virtually, but there are some important adjustments to make ahead of and during the process to ensure success.
Here are our tips on hosting a virtual brainstorm that doesn’t fall flat. DOWNLOAD the Infographic of these tips here.
1. Set Meeting Norms
Before you launch into your meeting, be sure to discuss guidelines to help everyone feel safe to share, fail forward and start thinking critically and innovatively. Indeed, you are challenging your team to create change, make something better or build the next new thing, so they must understand that this is not business-as-usual, but an opportunity to invent together. Communicate the rules of engagement and align expectations. We want everyone to come prepared to achieve the desired outcome.
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2. Play a Game!
The brain is a muscle. Like every muscle, it needs a chance to warm up before performing at its best. We always recommend starting with a fun warm-up game to get the creative juices flowing. Yes, we know play often has a bad rep in the business world, but as certified facilitators, we sing its praises daily because it is scientifically proven to increase creativity and we’ve seen it work magic before a brainstorm. If we can laugh, expose our vulnerabilities in a safe space and be human together, we’ll be more apt to create and innovate together.
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3. Language is Key: “Yes and…”
Improv comedians are encouraged to use the phrase “yes, and…” to keep a sketch going. This leads to some funny and unexpected turns—all of which are great avenues for an effective brainstorming session. When you say “no” in a brainstorm, it stops the flow of ideas. This ties back to that culture of collaboration that we are all trying to achieve. Participants should accept what another participant has stated ("yes") and then expand on that line of thinking ("and"). Be sure you also use positive and encouraging language to explore what’s possible and encourage it from others.
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Remember, you’re not looking for the best idea in the room, you are trusting that the process of hearing from a diversity of thoughts and experiences will mine the wisdom of the team members, create a culture of collaboration and manifest cutting-edge ideas.
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Remember, you’re not looking for the best idea in the room. Instead, you’re trusting that the process of hearing from a diversity of thoughts and experiences will mine the wisdom of the team members, create a culture of collaboration and manifest cutting-edge ideas.
Need help planning or facilitating your brainstorm? Our team of expert facilitators can help. Visit impactpointgroup.com/services to learn more or reach out to info@impactpointgroup.com.