Collective Brainstorming: Team Building through Creative Connection
When considering Collective Brainstorming, do you think about this technique as a way to solve problems, navigate obstacles, expand understanding and develop spontaneous new ways of approaching a topic? Or, do you think of a room of people with a whiteboard filled with scribbles? (I admit, I do). But have you ever thought of collective brainstorming as a conduit for team building?
If you are on a virtual team, you know it can be harder to connect casually, feel one-on-one camaraderie with your colleagues, and create team synergy. Here’s where the collective brainstorming comes in. At Bash Creative, we use this process regularly to develop creative concepts and innovative solutions for our clients’ events and also to deepen our team’s bond. We have found innovative ways to strengthen our interpersonal connections, experience fun new activities as a remote team, and truly hone our collaborative skill sets to better serve our clients. Trust-falls and Friday happy hours at the bar down the street need not apply!
To further explain, we will show you a glimpse behind the curtain - some of the HOWs to go along with the WHYs.
Each month, two Bash Creative team members partner to create a virtual, no-cost, team-building experience. For inspiration, they draw on our past experiences, what we find joy in, and what we want to learn about each other. Ideas are tossed out, discussed, developed, and emerge as a fun, hour-long virtual experience. No two team-building experiences are alike because they draw on the creativity of the individuals leading the activity that month. Some of our favorites include:
Fall Feels Creative
Inspired by a project that one Bash colleague did with her children, this team-building activity was not only inspiring but also seasonal! With low, mid, and high lift options, we got creative together by either coloring and decorating a printable paper wreath using foraged and found objects, creating a mini pumpkin succulent garden, or making a fun festive beverage. By being thoughtful about the level of involvement, everyone was able to participate in a way that worked for them and got their creative juices flowing.
Walking the Walk
As corporate events ramped up last fall, two Bash colleagues wanted our busy team to stretch our legs, take a break and get outside. By using Google Meet to connect by video or phone, we each walked around our neighborhoods and shared the sites and sounds of where live - while casually chatting and catching up. It isn’t very often there are moments for a virtual team to be outside together, so this was a great way to allow us to have some “off-screen” time to bond - so simple, yet so effective.
Bash Game Night
They say competition works as a motivator because it pushes us to exceed. Friendly competition in a relaxed setting encourages colleagues to work and spend time together, creating social bonds which strengthen teamwork. By using an online interactive game platform, we laughed, we learned, and we got competitive. Moving our attention to play for an hour, challenged our team in different ways and encouraged new connections.
Sound Bath Meditation
The holiday season is busy for us all. So, instead of an active participation team-building experience, we invited an expert to join our program and guide us in a meditative sound bath. Since we didn’t have to lead the session, each person on the team was able to take a full hour to breathe and relax. De-stressing together deepened our connection and, with one collective deep breath, we came back centered and grounded and ready to dive head-first into client work.
Bash Creative Cooking
Every Bash team member has had different life experiences that led them to our team. We are lucky to have two members with culinary backgrounds - who planned a virtual cooking show for us! By sharing a recipe and cooking together, the team was able to step away from their desk, learn a new skill, and use their mind and body in a different way. Not only that, but a takeaway collective recipe book allowed them to share their culinary creations with friends, family or their community!
Using collective brainstorming to engage your team and enhance your company’s culture and synergy can be effective and entertaining! With some companies returning to the office some remaining at home, and others doing a bit of both, team building is more important now than ever. If you are looking for a way to engage your team and keep screentime to a minimum, one of our favorite offerings are our special team initiatives specifically designed to connect in low-touch ways, but curated to have a lasting impact. To learn more about these initiatives and how we can collectively brainstorm for your next company event, book a call today!
Bash Creative is an event planning company that specializes in incredible gatherings that go beyond just great design. We’re known for teasing out smart goals for your event and serve up a stylish execution that will keep your guests buzzing. Located in San Francisco, but often found in New York, Austin, Chicago, Seattle, and beyond.