I do a lot of strategic planning with associations and university/college departments. When I lead planning sessions I ask the client to gather a diverse group of stakeholders to think together, but not think alike. I also ask a for “wild card” participant – someone who doesn’t know the culture, history, politics, etc. so they can get some truly unfiltered perspectives, opinions, and ideas! Oftentimes the wild cards are the most active contributors to the thinking process!