Reverse Brainstorming • WorkshopBank
Reverse Brainstorming • WorkshopBank is an ideation warm-up exercise for closure and transfer: it helps participants close the session and carry learning into the next action.
How to run it
- Write a clear problem statement on a flip chart. Keep it specific and outcome-focused. For example: "How do we improve onboarding for new starters?" rather than "Fix onboarding."
- Prepare the reverse question by flipping the problem statement. Write it on a second flip chart but keep it hidden or turned away until you are ready.
- Set up tables with flip chart paper, markers, and sticky notes. If working with one group, arrange seating so everyone can see the flip charts.
- Have dot stickers ready if you plan to prioritise solutions at the end.
Run this exercise live
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What participants need now
Materials:
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Prompts to use +
Write a clear problem statement on a flip chart. Keep it specific and outcome-focused. For example: "How do we improve onboarding for new starters?" rather than "Fix onboarding."
Prepare the reverse question by flipping the problem statement. Write it on a second flip chart but keep it hidden or turned away until you are ready.
Set up tables with flip chart paper, markers, and sticky notes. If working with one group, arrange seating so everyone can see the flip charts.
Have dot stickers ready if you plan to prioritise solutions at the end.
Run this with your AI assistant +
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or your own local model: paste this prompt and your AI will co-facilitate this exercise with you.
Adapt this exercise for my exact room. Exercise: Reverse Brainstorming • WorkshopBank. Readiness: Publishable Draft. Core moves: Write a clear problem statement on a flip chart. Keep it specific and outcome-focused. For example: "How do we improve onboarding for new starters?" rather than "Fix onboarding."; Prepare the reverse question by flipping the problem statement. Write it on a second flip chart but keep it hidden or turned away until you are ready.; Set up tables with flip chart paper, markers, and sticky notes. If working with one group, arrange seating so everyone can see the flip charts.; Have dot stickers ready if you plan to prioritise solutions at the end.. Return a concise facilitator script with timing, wording, safety notes, and remote/in-person adjustments.
Origin unverified
- Where we observed it: The strongest current observations come from WorkshopBank; aggregators are listed as additional observations, not origin proof. (1 source observed, including WorkshopBank.)
- What that means: we track where an exercise has been observed in public sources. We do not claim to know who created it, or how popular it is.
- No efficacy claims: appearing in this library is not a claim that the exercise is proven effective. Facilitator judgment and context decide whether it works for a given room.
- Method lineage: this exercise shares its method name with work attributed to Margaret Wheatley in our people index. That is a name match, not an origin claim.
- Corrections: if you have evidence of an earlier or more accurate source, read our methodology and trust boundary and tell us.