Effective facilitation
On-the-day facilitation will help drive a successful session.
Context setting and creating a platform for action
The session sponsor(s) should set the context and establish a platform for action that clearly links to the key organisational priorities. The emphasis should be on how the workshop outputs will be used, why they matter and that individuals will be made accountable for taking them forward.
Roles and responsibilities
There are four potential roles in the workshop. It is possible to run successfully with one facilitator alone.
- Session sponsor – sets the context and tone, drives sense of momentum and accountability. Will sponsor post-workshop execution. Make use of the sponsor (and other leaders) during the action list to create clarity of action ownership e.g. let them define who should own what
- Lead facilitator – drives the session to achieve the target outcome. Guides the activities and supports effective collaboration and discussion. Can ask basic questions to tease out areas of discussion and challenge people’s thinking. Could be a DT and / or industry specialist or from another area or industry
- Support facilitator – helps ensure everyone is engaged and helps manage the mechanics of the session. Can be the person who runs Axis, allowing the lead facilitator to focus on driving the discussion
- Subject matter specialist – brings DT expertise into the process, provides insight and guidance without directing the outcome
Ahead of the session the sponsor needs to be briefed and provided with the key messages they need to land. The lead and support facilitator should do a full rehearsal before the session, working through the activities and timings. Investing several hours to prepare and practice will pay dividends. You may choose an internal or external facilitator or subject matter specialist to support you with your session.
Introduction to Axis and the Axis approach
Axis is designed to make it simple and easy to facilitate. Axis is a web-based platform, there is nothing to download.
The DT templates are configured and ready to go, you just need to click start. Once started present your screen and / or share over your video conferencing software. Participants use the QR code or link to log-in with their smart phone or tablet. They can also use their computer.
Axis provides a step-by-step facilitator workflow. As the facilitator clicks right the participant’s devices will follow with clear instructions. All inputs are anonymous to stimulate creative and innovative thinking.
There is no write-up, just export the output into Excel.