Forum Theatre - Business Benefits and Strategic Value

Last week David Bouwer - Bid Architect added a comment to the newsletter asking the following question: Could you share more information on your workshops' business benefits and strategic value?

David - #challengeaccepted ??

Business Benefits

Performance Improvement

Typically, a client comes to us saying "I need managers to have the skills and confidence to address underperformance in their team."

So how do we deliver these outcomes?

We start by presenting a scenario (played live by professional actors) which shows the problem. It will include small details relevant to the client organisation/department which delegates instantly recognise. We include humour so they relax into the story and enjoy it. Then we work with the group to co-create the solution. Delegates give the actors the exact words to use, they feedback on how they are coming across, their facial expression, tone of voice etc. By the end of the Better Approach scenario we will have a whole list of changes that have made a difference to the way the scene plays out. We hone in on the skills that managers can apply immediately in their roles.

Working in this way instils confidence in the process and a willingness to apply the learning.

And applying the learning with confidence delivers results for the client. Follow up support is always essential and we provide post programme resources to help keep the momentum going.

We have fun, it's highly supportive and it works.

OR

A client says "We need to reduce the numbers of customer complaints. Looking at the data most complaints are about communication and attitude. We have an e-learning programme but we are not seeing a change.

How do we deliver this outcome?

We start with user research, exploring customer experiences and staff experiences. We seek to understand numerous perspectives. This enables us to develop realistic scenarios which provide several different points of view. Good storytelling enables us to build emotional connections to the characters. We value the concerns and difficulties experienced by staff as well as the customer.

In the re-direction we are looking to co-create abetter outcome for everyone.

It's about skills but more often it's about feeling valued.

We work with the client to monitor change, supporting team leaders to re-visit the case studies we used to help embed the changes.

Strategic Value

Improved Engagement and Motivation

Typically a client will get in touch and say "I want your session to create a buzz about the place. I want it to energise and engage. I want to hear laughter but I also want thoughtful discussions. I want your session to re-connect our staff to the vision and values in a way which is fun and about them - not top down."

A highly engaged and motivated workforce is the holy grail - and something businesses are really struggling with since COVID.

There are a lot of factors playing into engagement and motivation so whilst I cannot promise the holy grail what I can evidence is the response to our conference forum theatre sessions.

Played out on a stage to hundreds of delegates, these sessions have 'brought the house down' in laughter and offer a huge opportunity to connect audiences to key messages whilst being playful. They give delegates a real boost and the sessions are still talked about years later.

That's how we know they worked!

We have fun, we make memories, we light up rooms and it works.

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