• by Jarrod Walpert , March 5, 2021

Let’s face it, no one wants to add another video conference call to their calendar. But reality is, as we continue into 2021, Zooming will continue to be the norm.

Zoomstorming is pretty much what it sounds like: brainstorming over Zoom or video. While a typical brainstorm involves a conference room, piles of Post-its^®, markers and snacks for sustenance, for now we’ve been forced to take what is a highly interactive interpersonal process and pivot to something less so.

Brainstorming is hard enough in person. Taking participants out of a dedicated space and asking them to find their energy on camera is even harder.

As a Zoomstorm facilitator, you have to work harder and smarter to ensure ideation sessions run smoothly and net productive outcomes. To make the most of a virtual brainstorm, here are six rules of engagement to consider:

Set the tone. Properly briefing your team is paramount to effective brainstorming. It’s essential to align on strategic outcomes and also share why you’re brainstorming in the first place. Set the tone by asking why target stakeholders should care.

The limit does exist. This one is simple: Limit the number of team members you invite to your virtual brainstorms. Doing so will avoid interruptions, talking over one another and idle participants. Consider inviting those who are essential to getting the job done.

Establish ground rules. While you want your Zoomstorm to feel like an open forum without rules, the reality is you need to set some guidelines in order to maximize efficiencies. Foremost, keep it short. Online brainstorms should be no longer than an hour or you run the risk of losing people’s attention as defectors bounce off for other Zoom calls.  

Turn it on; then turn it off.  Nothing is more frustrating than when you come camera-ready but you’re the only person with their camera on. Let all participants know, in advance, that you’ll each have your cameras on so you can interact and dialogue as close to normal as possible.

Dial up the digital. Lean into technology and bring in tools that can help facilitate sharing and visualizing ideas. A few to consider include virtual Post-Its, and Zoom’s Breakout Rooms feature, which allows for small groups to break off and ideate against specific objectives.

Make it fun. To make virtual brainstorming work, you’ve got to dial up the fun and get people laughing and sharing. For example:  Send participants a coffee for their time; theme the brainstorm and ask everyone to customize their Zoom or Teams background to something humorous; invite a special guest to join using Cameo or Goat-2-Meeting; or give out humorous awards post-session.

By following a few simple rules, you can maximize creative outputs and keep your thinkers connected as we all continue to push through the uncertainty. See you on camera soon.