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How to organize a workshop efficiently?

Between practical work and playful activities, you build a dynamic and interactive event with your team. Go into workshop mode to create support, free up the floor or renovate practices.

1) The objective

There is room for originality and relaxation, but with a clear framework: each workshop has its own challenges. What is the priority of the moment: defining an action plan, announcing a change, resolving a conflict? The objective is stated on the invitation so that the participants understand the approach. As they are already involved in the event, they can contribute to adjusting the objective of the workshop, or even to include new activities. InteractivityThe basic principle of the workshop therefore begins at the start of the project.

2) The participants

Choose the collaborators according to their involvement or their skills, in relation to the defined objective. Hierarchical relationships do not count, the goal of the workshop will be to make them forget. The participants do not all know each other, that is the other interest of the workshop: deepen the relationship and renew working relationships. All profiles are welcome: the more varied they are, the more fruitful the workshop will be. For the sake of efficiency, count between 5 and 10 people per group, even if you have to divide them into sub-groups of 2 or 3 as the workshop progresses.

 

Illustration article workshop

Illustration article workshop

3) The framework

The place is important for the atmosphere and the practicality. A cosy lounge, a green room, a terrace on the garden side? The main thing is to leave the usual setting and to have a space adapted to the activities. If the workshop lasts several hours, plan time for breaks and conviviality. Make time a stimulating element, for example by paying attention to the duration of each activity. The hourglass is an interesting object for this: often used in board games, it is not associated with competition as a stopwatch can be.

4) Animation

Drawings, post-its, playing cards, unusual objects.... They will be used to brainstormingIt can be an introduction, a role play or a sharing of experience. Prepare your introduction as it will set the tone and build confidence. This is also the time for introductions, with a quick tour of the table. Every point of view, every proposal is welcome. Your humour will stimulate the group and help the most shy. Always be present to restart or reframe the discussions.

 

 

5) The debriefing     

This is the time to list the proposed actions, the blockages that have been resolved and also the points that remain unresolved. In your convening roleIf you have taken notes as you go along, their feedback will feed into the dialogue and participants will be invited to react to it. The round table discussion is the easiest way to get everyone involved in the debriefing. It can be complemented by an anonymous satisfaction questionnaire: it will help you to improve the organization and the animation of future workshops. Finally, for the effectiveness of the approach, define with the group the outlines of a new workshop. Either to address a new objective with them, or to involve other employees.

Illustration article workshop