Improvement Workshop Facilitation

Profile Summary:

Effective managers are good problem solvers when resolving day-to-day issues. However, when addressing complex problems that require buy-in throughout an organization, the collaborative approach that a workshop provides has distinct advantages. Workshops are an excellent way to clarify the key issues, develop innovative solutions, and ensure shared responsibility among the stakeholders. More indirect benefits include vetting out unintended consequences, improving alignment among the management team, broadening buy-in to facilitate change, and developing the next generation of leaders.

Approach:

Workshops leverage key stakeholders from executive leadership, line level management, and production personnel for a one to two day meeting to vet key issues, craft solutions, and develop project plans. The approach will vary based on the key issues, the size of the organization, and management structure. However, the following are required for any effective workshop:

• Prework: Each participant will complete prework prior to the workshop. The scope of the prework may vary, but is a required step for an effective workshop. The prework prepares the participants to think outside their current roles and educate them on the specific issues they will be addressing in the session.
• Focus: Interruptions must be limited to ensure day-to-day issues do not undermine the task at hand. Oftentimes workshops are conducted offsite or in a conference room that can effectively insulate the participants.
• Accountability: Workshops can give a false sense of accomplishment. To ensure effective follow-up, project plans are developed during the meeting that defines ownership, timelines and necessary budget for implementation.

Deliverables:

At the conclusion of the project, clients will have a written assessment of the session, well defined and measurable objectives that address the key issues, a well aligned management team, and a project plan to drive implementation.