Before you work on the innovation topic/idea you must have inclusion in the group. Ask questions not related to the topic, more personal and relatable for the group. Examples: Pineapple on a pizza! Yes or no...and why (get the discussion goin) What makes you boring? Are you a glass half full or half empty person, but what is the fluid? I find all of these create a great leveller in group discussions before moving to the task(s) in hand!

Fostering inclusivity in decision-making is critical in the engineering industry to drive innovation and better problem-solving. By integrating diverse perspectives, especially from underrepresented groups, organizations can unlock fresh ideas and approaches. Structured brainstorming sessions ensure all voices are heard, while clear decision-making criteria prevent bias. Creating an environment where transparency and open communication thrive leads to well-rounded solutions and strengthens team cohesion, ultimately benefiting project outcomes and efficiency.

Build a culture where respectful disagreement is encouraged. Debates can help uncover unique perspectives and?ultimately leading to more innovative solutions. Bring together members from different departments and expertise levels for project discussions. This mix allows a broader range of insights. Allow team members to take turns leading discussions. This approach helps in breaking down obstacles that may limit diverse thinking and ensures that various viewpoints can influence the decision-making process. Implement a suggestion box to gather input without bias and assess regularly whether all views are being heard and ideas are acted upon. Make? adjustments based on feedback to enhance inclusivity and drive innovative thinking forward.

Look for the core objective of the project and what is the exact problem statement, this will help spot your scope of work and think out of the box how to cover all segments of customers you have.