A simple how-to guide for using post-its in a silent brainstorming exercise.

1. Silent Brainstorming:
A guide to using Post-Its

2. Prep: Decide on the type of
questions you will ask
Examples:
- How would you improve…
- What strategies should we use?
- It was great because… / Do Differently
- Do the same / more of / less of; Start/Stop
Doing
- Remember the Future
- Speedboat

3. Step 1: Generate ideas
individually. One idea per post-it

4. Step 2: Read & put your ideas
on the table/board

5. Step 3: Group the ideas
(similar/dissimilar)
Note: Grouping isn’t always necessary or desired.

6. Step 4: Name each group w/ a
different colour

7. Step 5: Prepare for voting by
numbering each group
Note: If not grouping, number each individual post-it

8. Step 5: (A close up of
numbering)

9. Step 6: Each person votes for
their top 3 in private

10. Step 7: Facilitator Tallies the
votes

11. Step 8: Act on the item(s) with
the highest vote!

12. Thanks!
Steve Rogalsky
@SROGALSKY
WINNIPEGAGILIST.BLOGSPOT.COM
PROTEGRA.COM
For more information on the ‘why’ of using silence:
http://www.slideshare.net/SteveRogalsky/the-silence-of-agile