In groups of how many people is brainstorming best accomplished?

Brainstorming is most effective in groups of four to six people because this size strikes a balance between diversity of thought and manageability. In a group of this size, each participant has the opportunity to contribute their ideas without the discussion becoming overly chaotic or difficult to manage. This number allows for enough varied perspectives, which can spark creativity, while still being small enough to encourage participation from all members.

When brainstorming, having too few people may limit the pool of ideas, reducing the creative potential. Conversely, larger groups can lead to domination of the discussion by a few voices, making it challenging for everyone to contribute. The four to six range facilitates inclusive dialogue, maximizing the potential for innovative ideas while keeping the conversation focused and productive.