Hi

would like to know how all of you do your "brain storming" or discussion session??

(how is usually done in your lab?? How frequently it happens?does it only happens when there is technical problem? ..etc…)

you can always pool in ideas to improve “brain storming/team discussion” sessions ?

Here it is done more or less weekly...the PIs and supervisors tell whatever and try to set the ball rolling, the students, technicians and PhDs-students mostly keep silent...A system that has to be improved, threats and baits don't seem to work

I don't necessarily think it works if it is forced and a lab meeting is dedicated to brain-storming for example as what hobgoblin says happens - the PI does all the talking, with maybe some input from post-docs or senior people and students stay silent.
I think it is better done impromptu - either in the lab between a couple of people when the problem arises or bringing it up in the lab meeting that is not dedicated to such a discussion.

I have been in some labs where the level of interaction and trust is high, so most people pitch in as they are not concerned that someone will ridicule the idea and I have also been in labs where no-one will speak as they are too scared of how the PI might react to their contribution.

Nope never seems to happen to me. Most things i do are easy to conceive and hard to make real. Not much in brain storming as there is little to storm.

You start at A and you need to get to Z. The route in my case is obvious, and without many options.

Beer always helps.