Methods of herding cats (trainers)
Discussion
I have a meeting planned next month where 4 very different consultant/trainers are to get together to put some flesh on the bones of an idea we have to collectively offer various training and consultancy products around a single subject, including presentations, workshops, consultancy, coaching sessions etc. Hopefully there won't be too much competition as we all have differnt experience and skills sets.
We are sharing a few ideas ahead of time around what we might offer and who might deliver them but I wondered if anyone had come across methods to structure the way that people present their ideas on the day and how we reach collective decisioosn in 3 hour meeting.
At the moment we have a simple matrix with the various client groups or organisational levels in the columns and the various levels of offering (awareness, skills, development etc) in the rows and we are then plotting what we may have to offer in that matrix in the cells. We can all add rows and columns ready for the day. We will then look to put flesh on the bones in each cell terms of:
Aim:
Objectives;
Subject Matter;
Intended Audience;
Length;
Cost;
Materials;
Delivered by;
I still fear that on the day it will be like herding cats which is why I want to structure it as much as I can up front but without crushing any creativity.
have sounds more like an output than a roadmap to filling in the boxes.
I'd aim for what you currently have to be the actions matrix for distribution afterwards, so everyone knows what they have to do, and to get there using a far more visual method.
What follows may well be out of budget, but the only way I've seen to drive mixed groups to decision making is to ensure that the venue is appropriate, and that the event is highly focussed.
ie, phones/blackberries off, central all-together area with A/V, breakout areas (pref rooms) that focus on each major area of delivery (from the customer perspective, not the vendor perspective), that will support creative working, i.e. whiteboards or brown paper and post-its.
On the day, coffee and snacking available from the start and throughout, timebox the completion of various bits, allow some brainstorming, but each area to be controlled by a sponsor so silly ideas are applauded and then sidelined. Central admin team not involved in each area to ensure that results are documented and replayed in a plenary session before the phones are given back.
Lastly, set expectations, so that they know nobody leaves the room unless all boxes are ticked - nothing focusses the mind of consultants like the threat of unbillable time
I'd aim for what you currently have to be the actions matrix for distribution afterwards, so everyone knows what they have to do, and to get there using a far more visual method.
What follows may well be out of budget, but the only way I've seen to drive mixed groups to decision making is to ensure that the venue is appropriate, and that the event is highly focussed.
ie, phones/blackberries off, central all-together area with A/V, breakout areas (pref rooms) that focus on each major area of delivery (from the customer perspective, not the vendor perspective), that will support creative working, i.e. whiteboards or brown paper and post-its.
On the day, coffee and snacking available from the start and throughout, timebox the completion of various bits, allow some brainstorming, but each area to be controlled by a sponsor so silly ideas are applauded and then sidelined. Central admin team not involved in each area to ensure that results are documented and replayed in a plenary session before the phones are given back.
Lastly, set expectations, so that they know nobody leaves the room unless all boxes are ticked - nothing focusses the mind of consultants like the threat of unbillable time
randlemarcus said:
have sounds more like an output than a roadmap to filling in the boxes.
I'd aim for what you currently have to be the actions matrix for distribution afterwards, so everyone knows what they have to do, and to get there using a far more visual method.
What follows may well be out of budget, but the only way I've seen to drive mixed groups to decision making is to ensure that the venue is appropriate, and that the event is highly focussed.
ie, phones/blackberries off, central all-together area with A/V, breakout areas (pref rooms) that focus on each major area of delivery (from the customer perspective, not the vendor perspective), that will support creative working, i.e. whiteboards or brown paper and post-its.
On the day, coffee and snacking available from the start and throughout, timebox the completion of various bits, allow some brainstorming, but each area to be controlled by a sponsor so silly ideas are applauded and then sidelined. Central admin team not involved in each area to ensure that results are documented and replayed in a plenary session before the phones are given back.
Lastly, set expectations, so that they know nobody leaves the room unless all boxes are ticked - nothing focusses the mind of consultants like the threat of unbillable time
Yes someone did try to run it in the foter of a Novotel, but we have a syndicate room at a local conference centre. I think you are right about dividing up the work as I fear if we don;t get that far 2 of us wil end up doing it all.I'd aim for what you currently have to be the actions matrix for distribution afterwards, so everyone knows what they have to do, and to get there using a far more visual method.
What follows may well be out of budget, but the only way I've seen to drive mixed groups to decision making is to ensure that the venue is appropriate, and that the event is highly focussed.
ie, phones/blackberries off, central all-together area with A/V, breakout areas (pref rooms) that focus on each major area of delivery (from the customer perspective, not the vendor perspective), that will support creative working, i.e. whiteboards or brown paper and post-its.
On the day, coffee and snacking available from the start and throughout, timebox the completion of various bits, allow some brainstorming, but each area to be controlled by a sponsor so silly ideas are applauded and then sidelined. Central admin team not involved in each area to ensure that results are documented and replayed in a plenary session before the phones are given back.
Lastly, set expectations, so that they know nobody leaves the room unless all boxes are ticked - nothing focusses the mind of consultants like the threat of unbillable time
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