3 Questions for Better Brainstorming Sessions

Brainstorming sessions can easily degenerate into lackluster wastes of time, with the same ideas coming up again and again. Ask yourself these three questions to prevent your next session from turning flat:

1. Who's in the room? Bring in a diverse set of people that represents your consumer base as well as the breadth of expertise within your company.
2. Who talks? Many sessions fail to produce fresh ideas because the usual suspects are doing all of the talking. Draw out those who are usually reticent and always ask for further clarification on ideas you don't understand.
3. What signals are you sending? As a leader, you need to create a safe space for innovation. Make sure your body language and tone signal that you want to hear from everyone and that all ideas are welcome

Source: Harvard Business Review