Wellington Agency Launches 'Pre-Brainstorm' Meeting to Warm Up for Actual Brainstorm
In a bold move likely to redefine the concept of doing as little as possible while deeply looking like you're doing something, Wellington-based creative agency Peacock & Lint has formally introduced the 'Pre-Brainstorm' meeting—designed entirely to prepare employees emotionally and spiritually for the real brainstorm.
Held 45 minutes before the main brainstorm session, the Pre-Brainstorm is a safe space where staff can align on what kind of muffins they’re feeling today, argue over whether 'vibes' should be an agenda item, and silently judge last quarter’s slide template refresh. Attendance is optional but heavily monitored.
"We found that too many brainstorms began with people already talking," said Senior Director of Strategy and Herb Garden Management, Brenda Fork. "It left no time for alignment rituals, like seven minutes of contemplative silence or noting down everyone’s favourite era of Helvetica.”
Early results look promising. While no campaigns were pitched in the pilot Pre-Brainstorm phase, one junior copywriter did remember their own surname without Slack assistance, and another employee finally figured out what 'ATL' stands for. According to internal metrics, general staff imposter syndrome dropped a shocking 0.2 percent.
Plans are already underway for a 'Post-Brainstorm Debrief Alignment Touchpoint', heavily focused on feelings, unspoken eye rolls, and how to workshop the word 'synergy' out of existence.
Held 45 minutes before the main brainstorm session, the Pre-Brainstorm is a safe space where staff can align on what kind of muffins they’re feeling today, argue over whether 'vibes' should be an agenda item, and silently judge last quarter’s slide template refresh. Attendance is optional but heavily monitored.
"We found that too many brainstorms began with people already talking," said Senior Director of Strategy and Herb Garden Management, Brenda Fork. "It left no time for alignment rituals, like seven minutes of contemplative silence or noting down everyone’s favourite era of Helvetica.”
Early results look promising. While no campaigns were pitched in the pilot Pre-Brainstorm phase, one junior copywriter did remember their own surname without Slack assistance, and another employee finally figured out what 'ATL' stands for. According to internal metrics, general staff imposter syndrome dropped a shocking 0.2 percent.
Plans are already underway for a 'Post-Brainstorm Debrief Alignment Touchpoint', heavily focused on feelings, unspoken eye rolls, and how to workshop the word 'synergy' out of existence.