Large brainstorming sessions can be frustrating for managers and employees alike. They can be loud and overwhelming and ultimately lead to no productive outcome. We have an interesting solution for a new way to organize these meetings while ensuring that every voice is still heard. Try using the Lean Coffee approach!
Lean Coffee is a breeze to set up. All that you need to get started is a whiteboard, post it notes, pens, and your thumbs! On a whiteboard, create three columns – To Discuss, Discussing, and Discussed. Take 2-3 minutes while all attendees write down their top three ideas or discussion points, on separate notes. When finished, allow each participant to give a brief explanation of their topics. Topics are voted on using thumbs to avoid extra noise and keep things moving along. Alternatively, you may use the dot system approach as described in our handout. Every topic which gets a majority “thumbs” up vote is something that will be discussed. Those notes get posted under the “To Discuss” column. Choose the first topic, move it to the “Discussing” column and get talking! Each topic will receive 8 minutes of discussion time and we recommend using a talking token for assistance. When time is up attendees vote, thumbs again, on whether or not the topic is worth further discussion. Once one topic is completed, move the note to the “Discussed” column. Make sure to include a round-up of all outcomes when all discussions are completed.
At InRhythm we have used Lean coffee in our operations meetings and breakfast events with great success. We recommend trying it out for any sort of group discussion time. We would love to hear about your experience with Lean Coffee – leave a comment and feel free to make use of our handout.
Written and Designed by Ricki Steiner
Andrew says
Hi there I love your page
Aneela says
InRhythm Team, your exploration and implementation of the Lean Coffee approach is both innovative and insightful! ☕️🗒️ The simplicity yet effectiveness of this method in ensuring every voice is heard and valued, especially in a brainstorming session, is truly commendable. 🗣️🔄
Your detailed breakdown of the setup and process, from the initial jotting down of ideas to the structured, democratic discussion and voting system, provides a clear and accessible guide for others to implement Lean Coffee in their own team sessions. 👥👍
I’m particularly intrigued by the use of a talking token and the structured movement of topics through the ‘To Discuss’, ‘Discussing’, and ‘Discussed’ columns – it provides such a clear visual representation of the flow and progress of the discussion. 🔄🗣️
I’m curious, have you encountered any challenges or unexpected outcomes while implementing the Lean Coffee approach in your operations meetings and breakfast events? 🤔☕️ And have there been any particularly impactful or surprising ideas that have emerged from these sessions that you might not have discovered through traditional brainstorming methods?
Thank you for sharing this refreshing approach to group discussions and for providing a practical guide to implementing it! 🙏📘 Your innovative spirit and commitment to inclusive, productive discussions is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to try implementing Lean Coffee in our own team sessions!