In a remote environment, team collaboration may seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it can be just as effective, if not more so, than in-person sessions
Warming Up Is Key Remote brainstorming sessions often lack the in-person stimuli present in traditional settings. However, you can bridge this gap by integrating real-world stimuli into the virtual environment. For example, ask team members to take short walks or visit a nearby park before the brainstorming session to clear their minds and gather inspiration. Additionally, incorporating mood boards, images, or videos related to the topic can stimulate creativity and trigger novel ideas.
‘Six Thinking Hats’ Encourage parallel thinking with the “Six Thinking Hats” technique developed by Edward de Bono. Assign each participant a specific “thinking hat” color that represents a different perspective: white (facts and information), red (emotions and feelings), black (caution and critical judgment), yellow (optimism and positivity), green (creativity and new ideas), and blue (process and facilitation). By considering the problem from these distinct angles, the team can explore various dimensions and unearth innovative solutions.
AI For Thought Explore AI-powered idea generation tools that utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze vast datasets, industry trends, and consumer insights. These tools can provide unique prompts and suggestions to stimulate creative thinking, augmenting human ideation with data-driven inspiration.
‘Silent Idea-Gallery’ Facilitate sessions where team members submit their ideas beforehand, and all ideas are anonymously presented in a virtual gallery. Participants can review and comment on the ideas without knowing who submitted them. This approach reduces biases, encourages honest feedback, and fosters a judgment-free environment for idea exploration.
‘World Cafe’ Sessions Adopt the “World Cafe” format for remote brainstorming sessions. This method involves creating small virtual breakout rooms with a specific topic or question in each room. Participants move between rooms in multiple rounds, sharing ideas and building upon previous discussions. The dynamic and interactive nature of “World Cafe” sessions fosters collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas.