PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting)

What is Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI)? A critical thinking and brainstorming tool, PMI was developed by Dr. Edward de Bono. it fosters discussion of an

Use this template in GroupMap

What is Plus, Minus, Interesting (PMI)?

A critical thinking and brainstorming tool, PMI was developed by Dr. Edward de Bono. it fosters discussion of an idea from multiple points of view, specification what is positive (plus), negative (minus) and what might be neither but is worth considering (interesting). It can be used for a retrospective exercise or a futurespective one depending on the context of the topic.

Start a PMI Map in GroupMap

As one of simplest templates to use, the goal is simply to provide everyone the opportunity to express their views from different perspectives. The PMI Template is essentially lists headers of Plus, Minus and Interesting and allows participants to add ideas in, either one column at a time, or across the whole template depending on the style of your conversations. By using the template and having people brainstorm individually, there is less group think and bias and anchoring of ideas or opinions.

Who should use the PMI framework?

  • Agile or scrum teams
  • Change managers
  • Workshop facilitators
  • Policy and change makers
  • Teams having to evaluate a decision or outcome
  • Project teams, including remote teams
  • Education settings and lesson plans

Examples of PMI statements

  • What are the positive things about this sprint/policy/feature/issue?
  • What are the negative (minus) things about this sprint/policy/feature/issue?
  • What is interesting about this sprint/policy/feature/issue?

References

Why should I run a PMI retrospective?

The simple goal of Dr De Bono was to overcome some of the narrow views that can be shared when a person expresses their opinion. By considering the plus, minus and interesting aspects of the same decision, it opens up each person’s thinking and encourages creativity. In scrum or agile retrospectives, the PMI is a very useful tool for getting groups who are stuck to list down different perspectives and to then consider the whole picture.

How to use the PMI template to run better meetings

The PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting) template shown in GroupMap on a laptop, tablet and phone

Save effort, time and money with GroupMap

GroupMap offers more than just an online digital whiteboard — it’s innovative platform is designed to enhance the quality of your team’s decisions. With features that prevent bias and make facilitation seamless, GroupMap ensures no single voice dominates and ensures productive, inclusive conversations. Its intuitive interface is easy for anyone to use, and its scalable design supports small teams and large groups whether they are face to face or around the globe. Customizable templates and workflows keep discussions focused on objectives, helping you drive actionable outcomes each and every time.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting) analysis?
PMI is a critical thinking and brainstorming tool that examines an idea from three angles: what is positive (plus), what is negative (minus), and what is neither but still worth considering (interesting). It was developed by Dr. Edward de Bono.
What does the Interesting column capture?
The Interesting column holds points that are neither clearly good nor bad but are worth noting or exploring. It stops people from judging an idea too quickly and opens up questions, possibilities and consequences they might otherwise miss.
When should you use PMI?
Use PMI whenever a group needs to evaluate a decision, policy, feature or outcome from more than one point of view. It works as both a retrospective and a futurespective tool, depending on whether you are reviewing the past or weighing something ahead.
Why does PMI reduce bias?
Deliberately listing plus, minus and interesting points forces people past their first opinion and encourages fuller thinking. Brainstorming individually before combining ideas also reduces groupthink, anchoring and the pressure to agree.
How is PMI different from a pros and cons list?
A pros and cons list weighs only the for and against sides of a decision. PMI adds a third Interesting column for neutral or curious points, which surfaces angles a simple two-column list would leave out.
Who uses the PMI framework?
Agile and scrum teams, change managers, workshop facilitators, policy makers, project and remote teams, and educators all use PMI. It suits any group that needs to evaluate a decision or outcome fairly.

How to run it in GroupMap

  1. Illustration of the brainstorming step in a GroupMap session

    Brainstorm

    Start brainstorming through each of the different topics.

  2. Illustration of the rating and prioritizing step in a GroupMap session

    Vote

    Have people voted on the topics that they would like to discuss the most.

  3. Illustration of the results and reporting step in a GroupMap session

    Share

    Share the results and facilitate the discussion towards a decision.

Ready to run a session?Use this template

Ready to get everyone on the same page?

Start a free GroupMap and turn your next discussion into clear, shared decisions.