Brainstorming thrives on creative freedom—but without structure, it can quickly veer off-track. Setting a few simple ground rules helps participants stay focused and productive while still thinking big. These rules don't restrict ideas—they support the process.

Essential Ground Rules for Brainstorming Sessions

• Suspend Judgment: The most important rule. Remind everyone: there's no such thing as a bad idea. Comments like “That won’t work” or “That’s too far-fetched” kill momentum. Let all ideas surface—evaluation comes later.
• Focus on One Topic at a Time: Prevent topic-hopping. Choose one problem or theme and stick to it until it’s fully explored. This keeps the group aligned and cuts down on distractions.
• Set Time Limits: Short, intense brainstorming sessions often yield the most creative ideas. Stick to the clock and follow with a separate review session.
• Prioritize Quantity Over Quality: During the idea generation phase, aim for volume. The more ideas generated, the higher the chance of uncovering a great one. Save filtering for later.
• Use a “Parking Lot”: Capture off-topic ideas by jotting them down on a visible board or digital note. Revisit them later without interrupting the current discussion.
• Cross-Fertilize: Build on what others say. A single phrase from one person might spark a breakthrough in someone else’s mind.

Trainer Tip: Write the ground rules on a whiteboard or slide at the start of the session to keep everyone aligned.