Tools, Techniques, and Strategies for Running Workshops

Welcome to the latest edition of the Business Bullet Newsletter, where we're zooming in on the digital transformation of the workplace. In this issue, we delve into the toolkit of the modern facilitator with "5 Recommended Tools for Running Virtual Workshops," ensuring your virtual environments are just as dynamic as the physical boardroom. We'll also explore how to make your sessions more captivating with "Making workshops more engaging and interesting using design thinking techniques," including insights from H Winter at the BA Conf Europe 19. Additionally, we tackle the essentials of "Building Strong Relationships and Effective Meetings in the Era of Remote Working," and wrap up with strategic advice on "How to ensure you get what you want out of a meeting." Get ready to elevate your remote collaboration and workshop sessions to new heights with our insightful guidance and expert recommendations.

How to ensure you get what you want out of a meeting

Potential problems when running workshops

• Stakeholders:- not turning up- not participating- taking over and pursuing a different agenda- not agreeing with each other
• Outcome of workshop:-Not getting what was needed from it- Running out of time

Best practice tips

If you run workshops already the chances are you may have come across many of above. Over the years I have put together a list of best practice tips to avoid or reduce the problems covered above.

Preparation and planning

Send out agenda to all attendees clearly stating the objectives, who is invited, items on the agenda and time slots

Reasons

• To make sure you understand what you want to achieve from the workshop
• To enable stakeholders to understand what is required from them and enable them to do any preparation beforehand if they think any is necessary. This will also prevent stakeholders trying to pursue any different agendas and focus on the topic
• Will enable stakeholders to point out in advance if they think anyone is missing who can contribute to the meeting or whether they are unable to contribute
• Time slots will help focus the discussions and help the stakeholders self govern themselves by also helping to keep to the time

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5 Recommended Tools for Running Virtual Workshops

I am going to share some of the tools and techniques I have used for running workshops and meetings virtually.? If like me you have been working from home for the last 12 months you may have found there are challenges to running workshops as it can seem more difficult than if everyone is in a room together.? However, I have found that the following tools have made it so much easier.? It has also created a level playing field for any colleagues spread over geographical locations because everyone has had to work in the same way.? It also has offered extra opportunities in increasing those that can be involved and interaction.? This article assumes you are already using a conference collaboration tool such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Scenario 1 – Dealing with larger groups where interaction is required and feedback

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Building Strong Relationships and Effective Meetings in the Era of Remote Working

Introduction:

The shift to remote working has brought about significant changes in how we build relationships and conduct meetings. Unlike traditional onsite working, remote work presents unique challenges such as limited visibility of colleagues’ engagement, absence of accidental conversations, and the need for alternative tools to facilitate effective meetings. This article explores strategies for adapting to remote working, emphasizing the importance of equipment and setup, time management, relationship building, managing workshops, and recommended tools for successful remote collaboration.

Adapting to Remote Working:

Equipment and Setup:

To ensure a smooth remote working experience, it is essential to have a reliable Wi-Fi connection and a computer with sufficient memory to handle conference software. Additionally, maintaining a proper ergonomic setup, including an appropriate chair and desk height, is crucial to avoid repetitive strain injuries. Taking proactive measures to assess and optimize your work environment at home is important.

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Making workshops more engaging and interesting using design thinking techniques

Introduction

Design thinking is a customer centric approach putting the customer at the heart of the analysis to understand what they really need and uses techniques that focus on understanding them. ???This helps to innovate and generate new ideas.? Your customers may well be the people in your workshop.? Customer can mean the people who are benefitting from the work you are doing for them.

I regularly use design thinking techniques in my workshops to address 3 common problems.

These are:

• ??????Understanding the context and rationale
• ??????Getting everyone to contribute and encouraging interactivity
• ??????Establishing priority without everything being a must have

I will take each one of these problems in turn and explain how design thinking can help. ? ..Read more..

Making Workshops More Engaging and Interesting Using Design Thinking – H Winter, BA Conf Europe 19

Helen Winter speaking at the European Business Analysis conference 2019 in London on?how to make workshops more engaging and interesting using design thinking techniques.??

Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to sharing more valuable insights with you in our next newsletter

For those eager to delve deeper into mastering remote working dynamics, you can join the waiting list for the online course on 'Building Strong Relationships and Effective Meetings in Remote Working' for expert insights and practical strategies.

Want more in-depth knowledge and tools to excel in business analysis? Be sure to check out 'The Business Analysis Handbook, 2nd Edition'. The Business Analysis Handbook was ground-breaking in providing a hands-on guide to the business analyst role. This second edition reflects key developments and new career pathways in the profession