Your brainstorming meeting is constantly interrupted. How can you regain control and stay focused?

Rules of Engagement! This can be an enjoyable experience if we lead with what will make this meeting a success. We have had success with simple rules such as - 1. We all agree to NO interruptions! 2. I agree to turn my phone on silent and off the table. 3. I am committed to be engaged in this conversation and present. 4. I am committed to self monitoring and also holding others to account with gentle reminders of our common goal! THE BRAINSTORMING can begin! Are we creating an environment set up to succeed? Understanding you know your team be MINDFUL about the preparation, the duration of the agenda and stay on track, TOGETHER!

As a movement facilitator working with diverse groups - from corporate employees to teachers, medical staff, and even kids - I've faced this challenge countless times. Here's how I regain control and maintain focus: Set a strong foundation: ? Establish a clear working alliance at the start ? Define what's not acceptable and the consequences of interruptions ? Put the onus on the group to self-regulate ? Implement a buzz sound or singing bowl tone for interruptions ? This catches group attention and prompts self-reflection ? Allocate specific speaking slots ? Speak privately with frequent interrupters if behavior still persists. The key is balance. Be firm yet respectful, ensuring all voices are heard while keeping the session on track.

Establishing clear ground rules is essential, but it's often more effective to have participants collaboratively set these guidelines. By involving everyone in creating the rules, you foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the process. Ask participants to suggest tips for a productive and collaborative meeting; they usually come up with excellent guiding principles. If the meeting goes off track, refer back to these participant-suggested rules to steer the group back on course. This approach not only enhances group culture but also addresses challenges more effectively.

use design thinking principles and use double diamond technique to first explore the problem statement and then converge into defining the problem. In the second half, do same with solution by diverging and considering all alternative first followed by converge on best solutions. setting the expectations from start and timeboxing each exercise will help take control. Reiterating what outcome is team planning to achieve at each stage & using a parking lot for discussion that doesn't help in achieving those outcome will help you regain control.

?? I started using the term 'bike rack' a bit ago in place of 'parking lot.'— words have meaning even if it's an implied mindset we can't even see. ?? 'Parking lot' to me symbolizes a lot of outdated approaches and mindsets. It's a traditional buzzword and many people tie it to corporate speak. Many people hear it and just shut down. A new concept of a fresher (ok and maybe even more environmentally friendly) term 'bike rack' paints a different picture. ?? You go from seeing in your mind a lifeless, rigid slab or concrete to a more vibrant, maybe even green and airy space. Even just this visualization can change how people approach the overall concept of 'parking' ideas for later—whether they know it or not.

The parking lot is the secret to keeping meetings on track. It creates a container for ideas that don't pertain to the topic at hand but are often topics that warrant discussion! Set aside time during your meetings – or even a follow-up meeting – that could focus on working through the parking lot idea. It assures folks these ideas won't be lost and action can be taken.

It's an interesting question given that many brainstorms now happen online. Pre-covid when everything was in person you could physically control the room by standing and sitting. Also using a flip chart and post it notes to capture unrelated ideas and signify they will be discussed later. Online it's more complex. I love using interactive white boards, such as Mural, to guide the conversation and use "parking lot's" on there. Creating an agenda with clear goals, outcomes, times and tasks also helps control and the conversation and give space for creativity.

Encouraging respectful dialogue is crucial for a productive brainstorming session. Instead of setting rules unilaterally, involve participants in creating guidelines for respectful communication. Ask them to suggest what makes for effective and respectful dialogue. This shared ownership promotes adherence to the agreed principles. If interruptions occur, gently remind everyone of the group's own rules and return the floor to the interrupted speaker. This collaborative approach reinforces mutual respect and fosters a positive, collaborative environment.

And also let’s not forget our own voice interrupting the dialog we are having… Managing meetings of all types including the brainstorming have to have a design, agreement and buyin by the participants…. Managing ego out and managing Empathy in… Before any meeting: let’s make a fundamental and central distinction of when are listening and when we are not… Sounds simple ? But it is fundamental.

Being flexible is gold as a facilitator. In this situation balancing the needs of your participants with the objectives of your session is the aim of the game. I like to first identify the cause of interruptions such as: - A specific person - A distracting environment - Looming deadlines and high priorities - A less engaging andragogy Once you understand the causes you can address the issue directly whether by setting clear ground rules, adjusting the design, or managing disruptive behaviors. You can also say “I’ve noticed frequent interruptions - let’s all be accountable for respecting each other’s time.” and ask them to take the lead on how they'd like to do this.

Another way of continuing without disruptions is to identify problematic participants that cause the interruption and give them extra work to keep them busy as you keep moving on with your facilitation. Alternatively you can request those interrupting your facilitation to corefacilitate with you.