How to run effective workshops
summary
Three practical rules: treat workshops as part of a project with three equal stages—preparation, facilitation, followup—and schedule about half a day after the session to synthesize results. Use concrete tools: Post-it notes for a 1-idea-per-note brain dump that teams cluster, breakout groups to balance introverts and extroverts, and anonymous brainwriting to avoid hierarchy. Limit open brainstorming to 15 minutes max, never both facilitate and participate, and capture off-topic threads in a parking lot for later.
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chapters (12)
- 0:00The power of workshops
- 2:20Preparing for success
- 8:15Designing your workshop
- 10:09Crafting effective questions
- 12:31Selecting workshop exercises
- 14:29Navigating group dynamics
- 17:36Tools for collaboration
- 23:48Structuring the session
- 26:08Facilitation best practices
- 29:23Core facilitation skills
- 35:14Troubleshooting and Q&A
- 41:29Conclusion
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