Brainstorming Session Template

A brainstorming session is for generating more and better ideas than any one person would alone, then narrowing to the strongest. The trick is keeping divergent thinking separate from judgment so good ideas are not killed before they breathe. This brainstorming session template structures both the generate and the converge phases so you leave with a real shortlist.

When to use it

Use it when you face an open problem with many possible answers: a new product direction, a campaign concept, a process redesign, or a name. It is the wrong tool for a decision that is already mostly made or for a problem with one correct answer.

Who attends

A diverse cross-section of four to ten people. Mix functions and seniority so you get range. A facilitator who does not contribute ideas keeps the energy up and the loudest voice from dominating.

How to run it

Frame the challenge as a single clear question and name the constraints. Start with silent, independent idea generation so people do not anchor on the first thing said. Then share round-robin and build on each other with no criticism allowed in this phase. Cluster similar ideas, discuss the most promising, and only then converge by dot-voting to a shortlist. Close by assigning owners to explore the top ideas further.

Facilitator tips

• Separate divergence from convergence. Generate first, judge later, never both at once.
• Start silent so introverts and juniors contribute before the room anchors.
• Ban "yes, but" during generation. Use "yes, and" to build.
• End with owners, or the ideas die in the notes file.

Common mistakes

• Critiquing ideas as they appear, which shuts down the flow fast.
• Letting the highest-paid person speak first and anchor everyone else.
• Generating a huge list and never converging on what to actually do.
• Walking out with energy but no owners, so nothing happens next.

Capture ideas and turn the shortlist into owned next steps. Run it in OrgTP.