How do you set clear and realistic goals for your brainstorming sessions?

Defining the problem and scope for a brainstorming session is like setting up the boundaries of a playground - you want to give enough space for creativity to run wild, but not so much that it gets lost in the woods. It's important to have a clear idea of what you're trying to solve, just like knowing the rules of the game before you start playing.

The starting point is to identify a reason behind such an approach. We have identified the problem, which has existed for a while, and it needs to be opened up for review. In my experience, the problem is visual, and we need to move forward by starting with the issue as a statement or understating what is happening.

To set clear and realistic goals for brainstorming sessions, I start by defining the problem we need to solve, making sure everyone understands the objective. I then set specific, achievable outcomes we aim to reach by the end of the session, such as generating a set number of ideas or solutions. This keeps the team focused and productive. I also ensure that the goals are flexible enough to encourage creativity but structured enough to guide the conversation, striking a balance between open exploration and targeted results.

dentifying the desired outcomes and metrics for a brainstorming session is like deciding what kind of sandcastle you want to build and how you'll know when it's finished. Do you want a simple tower or an elaborate fortress? Will you measure success by the height of the walls or the number of seashells decorating it? Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable,

The identification is the next step alongside the starting point. As we have identified the problem, we are also creating a vision of what it is and possible solutions to resolve it.

Taking into account a description of the existing issue and knowing the solution, the next step is to start a point of collaboration or work together with teams and management by offering not only dull support but also strategy details. If I have a "description" of the existing challenge, I provide full outcome support and work with all to complete tasks and solutions.

Communication is not only a starting point but also a point of being all the time. Communication means providing a vision, knowledge and collaboration with all required and gaining knowledge to provide all it needs.

As Enterprise Architects, we should also consider the organizational culture and cognitive diversity that can impact the effectiveness of brainstorming sessions. It's like being aware of the weather and terrain conditions before embarking on an outdoor adventure - you want to make sure you have the right gear, mindset, and group dynamics to handle any challenges that may arise. Creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment, using techniques like brainwriting or reverse brainstorming, and leveraging different personality types and thinking styles can help unlock the full potential of your brainstorming sessions.

What is else? The point is even if we, with full support, provided a solution and completed a challenge, there will be another challenge and, at some point, a fantastic thing. There will always be something to consider, such as a change or development.