Diverge, Converge, Repeat: The Secret Sauce of Team Creativity

Have you ever felt like your team’s brainstorming sessions are either a chaotic storm of wild ideas or a painfully slow march toward a single, uninspired solution? Congratulations—you’ve encountered the creative tension between divergence and convergence.

What’s Divergence & Convergence? (And Why Should You Care?)

Think of divergence as your team’s wild, no-judgment, anything-goes idea explosion—like a toddler let loose in an art supply store. Convergence, the other hand, is the disciplined process of filtering, refining, and shaping those ideas into something useful—like the same toddler being gently guided to create a masterpiece rather than just covering themselves in glue.

Both are essential for solving design problems. Too much divergence leads to a flood of half-baked ideas, while too much convergence settles for the first (and likely mediocre) idea that popped into someone’s head. The trick is knowing when to unleash the chaos and when to rein it in.

How to Implement Divergence & Convergence in Team Work

1. Set the Stage: Know Which Mode You’re In

Clearly define whether your team is in a divergent or convergent phase—because trying to do both at once is like stepping on the gas and the brake simultaneously, which is obviously not productive. Start by saying, “Right now, we’re just generating ideas—no critiques yet! or “Time to focus—let’s refine and choose the best path forward.”

2. Yes, And… (Instead of No, But…)

During divergence, encourage expansive thinking with “Yes, and...” statements rather than shutting ideas down with “No, but...” responses. It’s a surefire way to turn “bad” ideas into brilliant ones. (Example: “A vending machine that dispenses career advice? Yes, and what if it also dispensed snacks based on your emotional state?”)

3. Use Time Constraints

Divergence can spiral into endless possibilities, and convergence can drag into decision fatigue. Use timed sprints for both: 10 minutes to generate ideas, 15 minutes to cluster and prioritize them. It keeps energy up and meetings from turning into endurance marathons.

4. Cluster, Vote, and Prototype

After diverging, look for patterns and group similar ideas together. Then, use a quick voting method (dot-voting, show of hands, secret ballot) to determine which ideas move forward. The best way to refine? Build quick, low-stakes prototypes—sketches, mockups, or even acting it out.

5. Rinse and Repeat

Design is rarely a one-and-done process. The best teams know when to loop back into divergence after testing an idea, refining it, and converging again. It’s this cycle that makes creativity work.

Why an External Facilitator Changes the Game

Now, you might be thinking, “We can totally do this ourselves!” And sure, you can—just like you can cut your own hair. But sometimes, an outside perspective can help you get the best results.

A skilled facilitator ensures your team doesn’t get stuck in either endless idea generation or premature decision-making. They introduce fresh frameworks, keep the process moving, and make sure every voice is heard. Plus, they’re not weighed down by internal politics—so they can ask the tough questions that lead to breakthrough insights.

So, the next time your team finds itself in a creative rut, remember: diverge, converge, repeat—and maybe call in a professional facilitator to keep things flowing. Your best ideas are waiting on the other side!

Want to learn more about preparing for better brainstorming with your team? Let’s connect.

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