You’re planning a virtual brainstorming session. How can you make it productive and engaging?

1 Choose the right tools

The first step is to choose the right tools for your virtual brainstorming session. You need a reliable and secure platform that allows you to share audio, video, and screen. You also need a way to capture and organize the ideas that emerge, such as a digital whiteboard, a mind map, or a sticky note app. Make sure you test the tools beforehand and provide clear instructions on how to use them to your participants.

2 Set the goals and rules

The second step is to set the goals and rules for your virtual brainstorming session. You need to communicate the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the session to your participants. You also need to establish some ground rules for the session, such as how long it will last, how to contribute, how to give feedback, and how to avoid interruptions. You can also assign roles to your participants, such as facilitator, recorder, or timekeeper, to ensure a smooth flow of the session.

3 Warm up and energize

The third step is to warm up and energize your participants before the actual brainstorming. You can use some icebreakers, games, or exercises to break the ice, build rapport, and stimulate creativity. For example, you can ask your participants to share something interesting or surprising about themselves, to draw or describe their current mood, or to complete a creative challenge. The goal is to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere that encourages participation and collaboration.

4 Generate and evaluate ideas

The fourth step is to generate and evaluate ideas during the brainstorming session. You can use different techniques to elicit ideas from your participants, such as brainstorming questions, prompts, scenarios, or challenges. You can also use different formats to structure the session, such as individual, group, or hybrid brainstorming. The key is to encourage quantity and diversity of ideas, without judging or criticizing them. After generating ideas, you can use different methods to evaluate and prioritize them, such as voting, ranking, or grouping.

5 Follow up and act

The fifth step is to follow up and act on the ideas after the brainstorming session. You need to summarize and share the results of the session with your participants and other stakeholders. You also need to plan and execute the next steps to implement the ideas or solutions that emerged from the session. You can also solicit feedback from your participants on how they felt about the session and how it can be improved in the future.

6 Celebrate and reward

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and reward your participants for their contributions and efforts. You can thank them personally, publicly, or both. You can also offer some incentives, recognition, or appreciation for their participation and creativity. For example, you can send them a thank-you note, a gift card, or a certificate. You can also showcase their ideas or solutions in your project or organization. The goal is to acknowledge and reinforce their value and engagement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?