Although each workshop is unique, we have found that the following structure works well for most workshops.

Engage

Prior to scheduling the workshop, we work with you, the client, to:

• Define the topic of the workshop
• Decide what will be considered in scope and out of scope for the discussion
• Set goals
• Decide on the length of the workshop (usually between four hours and two days)
• Determine who will be invited

We also create a workshop description for you to use when inviting participants.

Prepare

We create a "pre-work" survey for the invited participants to complete before they arrive in the room.  This survey is optional and confidential.  The purpose of the survey is to give participants a chance to reflect on the workshop topic prior to arrival.  If participants choose to share their thoughts with us by returning the survey, we are grateful.  This information helps us understand the context better, enabling us to be more prepared as we step into the room.

Introductions

Once in the room, we introduce ourselves, the topic, and ask participants to introduce themselves briefly and share their personal goals for the workshop.

Elaborate

We use an activity like brainstorming or brainwriting to elicit additional ideas about the topic.  For example, if the topic is "Are We Done Yet?" we might ask participants "What does it mean to be 'Done'?" or "What goes wrong when code is prematurely declared 'Done'?"

Distill

We lead participants in an activity such as an affinity exercise designed transform the larger collection of ideas into a set of themes.

Split

Participants split into small groups to work on the themes identified during the Distill phase.

Reconvene

The groups come back together to share their insights, analysis, and suggestions.

Chart a Course

The group as a whole works together to identify actions they can take.  We focus the group on actions they can take themselves, not actions they want someone else to take.

Reflect

We invite the group to reflect on the results and the process to synthesize higher level insights they can apply to future challenges.

We may use activities, like a fishbowl, to structure our reflection.