Brainstorming Like a Pro: Why Leaders Should Stop Killing Ideas

Brainstorming sessions are a great way to generate fresh ideas, work as a team, and solve problems creatively. They’re supposed to be fun, productive, and full of energy. But there’s a catch: for them to work, they need to follow some basic rules. Otherwise, they turn into a dull meeting where only the loudest voices get heard.

One rule stands out as the most important: no judging ideas—not even the weird ones. Especially not the weird ones. The moment you start criticizing, you kill the whole process. People stop sharing, creativity shuts down, and all you’re left with is the same old predictable solutions.

Think about it: someone suggests an idea that sounds completely out there. Your first instinct? Dismiss it. But what if, hidden inside that wild thought, there’s a spark of brilliance? What if, instead of rolling your eyes, you paused and asked, “What made you think of that?” Sometimes, the best innovations come from ideas that, at first glance, seem ridiculous.

And this isn’t just about brainstorming sessions. Leaders should apply this approach in their day-to-day interactions. If a team member shares a suggestion, don’t shut it down immediately. Explore it. See where it leads. Even if the original idea doesn’t work, it might inspire a better one. The goal is to make people feel safe sharing their thoughts, not train them to keep quiet.

In today’s fast-moving world, companies need innovation to stay ahead. And innovation doesn’t come from leaders who think they already have all the answers. It comes from those who are willing to listen, build on different perspectives, and encourage a culture where no idea is too wild to be considered.

Otherwise, let’s be honest—leaders who constantly dismiss ideas aren’t just stifling creativity. They’re being rude. And worse, they’re acting like micromanagers. Nobody likes a micromanager.

So next time someone in your team throws out a bizarre idea, try this: instead of shutting it down, lean in. Ask questions. Play with it. Who knows? That ridiculous idea might just turn into your next big success.