In the early stages of planning, especially in a meeting, it’s best to remain flexible and open-minded. I like how Jason Fried explains this in his book Rework. When his team is in the process of sketching a new idea, they use Sharpie markers. This makes it impossible to get too detailed and lost in the minutia. Creating in broad strokes also makes it easier to collaborate and change direction if needed. Planning all the little things right off the bat stifles options and creative whimsy.

Keeping a loose approach at first increases ideas, and ideas are what’s necessary to not just be creative, but also innovative.