You're in a team brainstorming session. What's the best way to make sure your ideas are heard?

3 Build on others' ideas

Brainstorming is not a competition, but a collaboration. You want to show that you are listening to and respecting the ideas of your teammates, and that you can add value to them. Instead of dismissing or criticizing others' suggestions, try to build on them with positive comments, questions, or improvements. For example, you can say "That's a great idea, what if we also..." or "I like your approach, how about we combine it with...". This will demonstrate your creativity and teamwork skills, and encourage others to do the same.

4 Use visuals and examples

Sometimes, words are not enough to convey your ideas effectively. You might want to use visuals, such as sketches, diagrams, or charts, to illustrate your points and make them more memorable. You can also use examples, such as stories, analogies, or scenarios, to show how your ideas would work in practice and what benefits they would bring. Visuals and examples can help you communicate your ideas more clearly and persuasively, and spark more interest and engagement from the group.

5 Follow up after the session

After the session, don't let your ideas fade away. Follow up with the facilitator or the decision maker, and ask for feedback on your suggestions. You can also send a summary of your ideas, along with any supporting evidence or resources, to the rest of the group. This will show your commitment and enthusiasm, and remind them of your contributions. You can also use this opportunity to thank your teammates for their input, and offer to help with the next steps of the project.