Idea Generation and Sharing - An inefficient use of a web design firm's time?

I had a creative block for today's blog entry, but I really wanted to write. Alma popped into my office, so I asked her for some ideas (this is a very common scenario here at Sandstorm... I have an idea, or at a loss for one, and the staff member in the closest proximity to me gets "chosen" to help brainstorm the solution). She jumped right in and rattled off like 5 ideas, and the one that struck me the most was her perspective about how unique we are in how we openly share ideas here - and that anyone can add insight and make a contribution. Some may say this is an inefficient use of time... these random unplanned idea-dreaming water-cooler conversations, or is it really one of the perks about working for a boutique?