Brainstorming sessions can be brain-draining sessions if you're not well prepared. Start by reshaping the process. Define a specific goal, such as “generate five ways to boost leads” instead of something vague like “discuss growth.” Share this agenda well in advance so everyone arrives ready to create. If possible, mix up your team with voices from other departments to include a broader range of perspectives and avoid groupthink. Use whiteboards, sticky notes, or digital tools to capture ideas visually as they occur, which makes it easier to keep track of them.

I suggest holding the session to a set time limit — ideally, 30 to 60 minutes — to maintain high energy and focus. You might even experiment with using a timer for different activities within the session. Finally, avoid instant evaluation because the session is for generating ideas, not critiquing them. Evaluation should happen in a separate meeting or at least during a dedicated part of the session. Group similar ideas and use anonymous voting to select the best two to three options for further development.

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