Remote Whiteboard Session Guide
Online whiteboards are great for brainstorming, mapping a process or planning a project with people who aren't in the same room. A good session needs a little planning. This guide covers what to prepare, how to run the session and how to wrap it up.
Before the session
Write one goal
For example: 'Agree on the top three ideas for the spring newsletter.' One goal keeps the board focused.
Prepare the board
Set up labeled areas in advance: a warm-up area, a space for ideas, a space for grouping and a space for next steps.
Send a 2-minute primer
Share the link a day early so people can open it, find the sticky-note tool and try it out.
During the session
Warm up (5 min)
Ask everyone to add one sticky note answering an easy question. This gets people using the tools.
Ideas in silence (10 min)
Everyone adds ideas at the same time without discussing. This gives quieter people equal space.
Group and vote (15 min)
Cluster similar notes, name each cluster, then give everyone three votes.
Decide next steps (10 min)
Turn the top-voted clusters into actions with an owner and date.
After the session
- Export or screenshot the board
- Post the actions, owners and dates where the team will see them
- Lock or archive the board so it doesn't get edited by accident
- Ask for one line of feedback on how the session went