5 Ways NOT to Brainstorm as a Product Leader

Brainstorming is a critical part of your job. But sometimes, the way you approach brainstorming can actually hinder your ability to generate great ideas.

So, let's take a look at how NOT to brainstorm for ideas:

The "I know best" approach

This is when the product team shuts down any ideas that don't align with their own. For example, "That's a terrible idea, no one will ever use that feature." This approach doesn't allow for creative thinking or diverse perspectives.

The "copycat" approach

This is when the product team simply copies features from other successful products without considering whether they fit their own product's unique value proposition. For example, "Let's just copy everything that Apple does, they're successful, right?"

The "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach

This is when the product team tries to come up with as many ideas as possible without any structure or focus. For example, "Let's add a chatbot, a new payment system, and a virtual reality component all in one release!"

The "it worked once, it will work again" approach

This is when the product team tries to replicate a feature or strategy that worked in the past, without considering whether it still makes sense for the current product. For example, "We did a referral program for our last product, let's just do that again."

The "let's just wing it" approach:

This is when the product team doesn't do any research or gather any data before brainstorming. For example, "I don't know what our customers want, let's just come up with ideas and hope for the best!"

Of course, these approaches are all tongue-in-cheek, but they do highlight some common pitfalls to avoid when brainstorming for ideas. Instead, try to approach brainstorming with an open mind, a focus on your product's unique value proposition, and a willingness to explore new and creative ideas. Happy brainstorming!