From Susannah
We sent the following note out a few weeks ago to the most recent Training Class and received back some wonderful stories and ideas. With their permission, I am posting a few ideas here in our blog for everyone to see and share. We encourage you to try these things (and make up your own) and are honored when you share with us.
Just a quick check in to see how you all are doing. It's been about a month since we were together for your Fundamentals of LearningConnect training and I'm curious to know if you've had a chance to apply your learning and try some templates out - or go through the full process with your business teams (or perhaps have had some personal applications in your life outside of work)!
As we mentioned in the training, we are available to you for advice on design, thinking with you about your challenges - or just keeping connected. We'd love to hear from you and let us know if we can be of service.
So without any more delay... please, try this at home (or work):
Using templates, Agendas and Making Meetings ColorFull (yes, it was submitted in color)
"I had a fabulous time in the training!!
Since the training, I have not had the chance to do Learning Connects, but have used several items in my team meetings: the fabulous colorful agenda & fun pens. I love creating the colorful agenda. I’m on a team with 8 guys. Since I’ve started using it, I’ve noticed that when they enter the meeting room, they smile at my agenda (because of the pictures & colorfulness). My guys don’t acknowledge that they liked my colorful agenda but keep referring to it during the meeting (This is truly helpful). Plus, if I don’t check off something quickly, then they do it for me (success!!). They may never consciously acknowledge it and at times have said that my agendas could be seen “as non-value added work.” Once I talked with them about the unconscious benefits of the agenda & colorful pens, they have never mentioned it again.
Several weeks ago, I picked up some fabulous pens with some wild ink colors. Before the mtgs, I plop them on the table. The guys use my pens, even if they brought their own pen. Success!
With these small changes, I have seen a difference in the team meeting environment. Thanks!!! "
Using template for Management Conversations / Reviews
"I LOVE the templates – unfortunately I have not been able to apply them to consumer research yet. I am planning on doing a data gathering session pretty soon (hopefully within the next two months), but I’m still in the process of getting my proposal approved.
I have, however, used the templates for my team meetings (to check the progress update of our initiative) I’m using the Grove – Graphic Roadmap template right now and just last week I had a 1-1 with my 2 up manager and used the ‘Tell me a Story’(it was about me – as an introduction) template and the ‘ top of the mountain’ (which I used to help communicate where do I want to go in my career) to help me guide my discussion….. It was GREAT – she asked me to keep them and told me it was one of the best 1-1’s she had had in her 20+ years in the Company."
So we still hope you'll have lots of chances to facilitate a full LearningConnect session, and in addition, try these great ideas to use templates and your facilitative selves in many situations! Keep up the great work.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Foam Core -- We're Obsessed!
From Lynette =)
You know from time to time we do get excited about seemingly strange things here at Ah Ha! The latest? We just love foam core -- 40" by 60" foam core to be more specific (we like the 3/8th inch although it is also available in 1/2 inch).
We've found these thin white boards to be magnificent tools in our facilitation of LearningConnect sessions. The 40" by 60" size is perfect for our wall sized templates and with the assistance of a flipchart or even an easel, we can work effectively in rooms that have less than wonderful wall space. And, WOW! these foam core walls have 2 useable sides!!
Remember, an important element of grounded facilitation is taking care of the Operational physical details. Sometimes all the stuff required for LearningConnect even overwhelms me! So recently we've prepped our very portable, very light, yet surprisingly strong "walls" well before DataCollection sessions. This allows us to be more relaxed and attentive to facilitating and being with the team and workshop guests.
When we travel we arrange for a local art supply store to deliver 10 or so boards directly to the facility, conference center or hotel where we're working. When we arrive our foam core boards are waiting for us to get to work. It doesn't get better than that =)
You know from time to time we do get excited about seemingly strange things here at Ah Ha! The latest? We just love foam core -- 40" by 60" foam core to be more specific (we like the 3/8th inch although it is also available in 1/2 inch).
We've found these thin white boards to be magnificent tools in our facilitation of LearningConnect sessions. The 40" by 60" size is perfect for our wall sized templates and with the assistance of a flipchart or even an easel, we can work effectively in rooms that have less than wonderful wall space. And, WOW! these foam core walls have 2 useable sides!!
Remember, an important element of grounded facilitation is taking care of the Operational physical details. Sometimes all the stuff required for LearningConnect even overwhelms me! So recently we've prepped our very portable, very light, yet surprisingly strong "walls" well before DataCollection sessions. This allows us to be more relaxed and attentive to facilitating and being with the team and workshop guests.
When we travel we arrange for a local art supply store to deliver 10 or so boards directly to the facility, conference center or hotel where we're working. When we arrive our foam core boards are waiting for us to get to work. It doesn't get better than that =)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
LearningConnect Facilitation Principles
From Lynette =)
A starting list of Principles offered for your Consideration ,,,
Begin with and Keep Your Outcomes in Mind -- Throughout the entire LearningConnect Process, everyday, as a team, revisit your Outcomes. Design the flow of the Data Collection, the Analysis, and the Building of Deliverables in order to reach your Outcomes.
Focus on What Matters -- Always begin with a Team StartUp in order to clarify Project Deliverables and to help team members build personal connection to Project Objectives. Never just jump into Data Collection.
Honor and Respect Yourself and Others -- treat yourself, fellow team members, guests (respondents), suppliers with respect, honoring everyone's contribution to the process. Create space to be aware of and to fully appreciate Everyone's Unique Talents and Abilities.
All Team Members are Involved in Active Learning from the Beginning No passive "involvement" here. Sleeves are rolled up and everyone digs in. Begin with preplay activities to encourage personal awareness building and connection to the topic. Design a StartUp activity to enroll each individual and build toward shared investment and commitment to the Outcomes. In the end, everyone is energized and worked out!!
Take Time to Reflect on Your Experiences -- both personally (we love journaling and storytelling) and collectively as a team (through conversation). This really enhances the integration of emerging learnings and insights.
Work in Pairs (or Triads) -- Particularly in Data Collection, Analysis & Synthesis, and Sharing & Building two (or more) Heads ARE really better than one and allow for different ideas and perspectives to be considered.
Remember, It is all about the Conversation -- During the team work sessions (StartUp, Work Out, Analysis, Sharing & Building) create activities that encourage team members to think together. During Data Collection with your Guests remember, it's not an interview, no direct questions! It is about the conversation they are having with each other around the topics you have presented.
A starting list of Principles offered for your Consideration ,,,
Begin with and Keep Your Outcomes in Mind -- Throughout the entire LearningConnect Process, everyday, as a team, revisit your Outcomes. Design the flow of the Data Collection, the Analysis, and the Building of Deliverables in order to reach your Outcomes.
Focus on What Matters -- Always begin with a Team StartUp in order to clarify Project Deliverables and to help team members build personal connection to Project Objectives. Never just jump into Data Collection.
Honor and Respect Yourself and Others -- treat yourself, fellow team members, guests (respondents), suppliers with respect, honoring everyone's contribution to the process. Create space to be aware of and to fully appreciate Everyone's Unique Talents and Abilities.
All Team Members are Involved in Active Learning from the Beginning No passive "involvement" here. Sleeves are rolled up and everyone digs in. Begin with preplay activities to encourage personal awareness building and connection to the topic. Design a StartUp activity to enroll each individual and build toward shared investment and commitment to the Outcomes. In the end, everyone is energized and worked out!!
Take Time to Reflect on Your Experiences -- both personally (we love journaling and storytelling) and collectively as a team (through conversation). This really enhances the integration of emerging learnings and insights.
Work in Pairs (or Triads) -- Particularly in Data Collection, Analysis & Synthesis, and Sharing & Building two (or more) Heads ARE really better than one and allow for different ideas and perspectives to be considered.
Remember, It is all about the Conversation -- During the team work sessions (StartUp, Work Out, Analysis, Sharing & Building) create activities that encourage team members to think together. During Data Collection with your Guests remember, it's not an interview, no direct questions! It is about the conversation they are having with each other around the topics you have presented.
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