A better way to brainstorm

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?