Page 187 - The Design Thinking Playbook

HOW MIGHT WE...

prepare a workshop optimally
as a facilitator?

What must be made clear before starting a workshop? In general, the following success criteria must be borne in mind:

Before we select a specific workshop or a specific intervention or • There is a high degree of mutual exchange.
method of facilitation, we ought to find out exactly what is to be • The establishment and the deepening of relationships is elementary.
achieved, how it is to be achieved, and why it is to be achieved. • Everybody sees themselves as learners and contributors.
The more clear-cut the specifications, the more successful the • Everybody is involved (in the discussion, in drawing, listening, talking).
implementation. • Everybody will be heard.
Prior to a moderation in front of large groups, we should collect infor- • Different perspectives are perceived as such.
mation on why such a large group of people is necessary. The purpose • Shared findings will be condensed.
must be attractive and meaningful for all parties involved. It should • Everybody is clear about what comes after the workshop.
not be formulated and structured within limits that are too narrow
and must contain potential for exploring and discovery. If everything
remains the same afterward, the facilitation has failed in its purpose. How can we proceed in the workshop, and what questions must be answered?
The following keywords help to clarify the purpose of an intervention.
Is it about
The questions of How, What, When, Why, and Whom are focused on:
• developing awareness?
• finding problem solutions? • What is the change about?
• fostering the development of relationships? • On which playing field will we play?
• initiating the exchange of knowledge? • What changes are possible, and how should the goals look?
• supporting innovation? • What does success mean?
• developing a vision and sharing it? • How will the company look after the process?
• clarifying the development of capabilities? • What is today?
• building up the development of leadership? • What does the reality look like?
• solving conflicts? • What strengths can be identified? What weaknesses?
• drawing up and enacting strategies or actions? • What are the benefits to be developed from the process?
• expediting decision making? • What needs are to be addressed?
• Who benefits from the results? What are the risks of the project?
• What was good? What can we do differently next time?
• What will we do next? How do we want to proceed?

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