Five techniques to keep stakeholder engagement energised and fresh ? when defining your ideal workplace culture

Here at The Employee Experience Project you'll often find us eyebrows-deep in colleague consultation programs to help businesses create clear and business focused culture playbook.

Because a critical part of our work with our clients is defining the right ideal culture moving forward and doing it in a way that feels relevant and accessible to all.

It can be a challenge to keep conversations on ideal culture energised when we are seeking to engage a wide range of stakeholders, so we are sharing some of the techniques we use to shake things up a bit.

1. Culture Chart

Objective: To give structure for personal thought capture, give space and encourage open communication.

How to Use:

• Provide each participant with a piece of paper and markers.
• Ask them to draw a "Culture Map‘‘ - a visual representation of their ideal or current work culture.
• Provide a prompt question for each quadrant of the chart, they can draw symbols, write keywords, or use colours to represent different aspects of the culture (e.g., collaboration, communication, leadership).
• Have participants share their charts in pairs or small groups, discussing the reasons behind their choices.

2. Future Vision Exercise

Objective: To envision the desired future state of the company culture.

How to Use:

• Ask participants to close their eyes and imagine the workplace of their dreams.
• Encourage them to think about the interactions, atmosphere, and values they see in this ideal future.
• Have each participant share their vision with the group, emphasising specific elements they believe contribute to a positive culture.
• Facilitate a discussion on common themes and differences, fostering understanding and alignment.

3. Collage Creation

Objective: To visually represent individual and collective perceptions of the ideal culture.

How to Use:

• Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and large poster boards.
• Ask participants to cut out images, words, and phrases that resonate with their vision of the ideal culture.
• Have them create a collage on the poster board, arranging the elements in a way that tells a story about the desired culture.
• Participants share their collages and discuss the symbolism behind their choices.

4. Reverse Brainstorming

Objective: Identify problems or challenges by brainstorming solutions backward.

How to Use:

• Frame the issue as an opportunity for positive change.
• Instead of generating solutions, ask staff to brainstorm ways to create the problem or make it worse.
• Capture the ideas to explore innovative solutions to the actual challenge.

5. Storytelling with Images

Objective: To articulate the ideal culture through a collective visual story.

How to Use:

• Provide a series of random images or ask participants to bring their own.
• In small groups, ask participants to select images that collectively tell a story of the ideal culture.
• Each group presents their visual story to the larger group, explaining the narrative and connections between images.
• Facilitate a discussion on the overarching themes and shared values.

What do you think? If you have tried any, or give any a try - I'd love to hear what works best for you?

Have a great day!