Why are brainstorms considered BS?

Because ideas are:
• All over the place
• Never see the light of day
• Not actionable

BUT done right, a brainstorm moves the ball forward and energizes the team

Let's talk how to avoid this:

Myth: if we get smart people in one room, genius will emerge

Reality: if we do the *right pre-work*, people will share promising ideas that can spark new projects

What's the right pre-work?

Work backwards: figure out what you want your brainstorm to generate - topic constraints breed creativity

Ideally: tie back to team/company goals - whatever drives prioritization

Powerful brainstorm tool: how-might-we (HMW)

Examples:
• HMW convince new customers that we are the right place for them?
• HMW help existing customers increase sales?

Behind every great HMW q:
• Pre-identified important problem
• Invites many solutions

How to set up brainstorms:

Great brainstorm:

• Instills ownership
• Focuses on the most important questions
• No idea-shaming
• Support team goals and have a fighting chance to see the light of day

For specific brainstorm templates and examples: https://learn.product-toolkit.com/courses/view/633171-run-productive-brainstorms/1823863-template-example-brainstorm-materials-email