Facilitating meaningful conversations in large groups can be challenging. Thatโs where the World Cafรฉ technique comes in! It’s a structured, interactive method to foster collaborative dialogue, uncover insights, and build consensus. Hereโs how to run it effectively:
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ: ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ ๐
1๏ธโฃ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉ:
Divide participants into small groups and assign each group to a table (station). Each table focuses on one specific aspect of the broader topic.
2๏ธโฃ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ:
Designate a facilitator (lead) at each table. They stay at the table throughout the session, ensuring continuity.
3๏ธโฃ ๐๐-๐๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐ญ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ โฑ๏ธ:
Start the first round with an open conversation about the table’s topic. Encourage all voices to be heardโthis is where ideas begin to flow!
4๏ธโฃ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐:
After 10 minutes, everyone rotates to a new table except the lead, who stays behind.
5๏ธโฃ ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ & ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐ฃ๏ธ:
At the start of each new round, the table lead provides a 3-minute recap of the previous conversation, summarizing key points and insights. The new group then continued the discussion, building on what had been shared before.
6๏ธโฃ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐:
Complete when all participants have visited every table, and participate in each topic.
7๏ธโฃ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐พ:
In the final step, each table lead shares the collective conclusions and key insights with the group. This plenary session connects the dots and reveals patterns or consensus.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ
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Diverse Perspectives: Everyone contributes to every topic.
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Iterative Learning: Each conversation builds on the previous oneโlike Agile sprints!
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Engagement & Ownership: Participants feel heard, and ideas evolve collaboratively.
I used this technique in refinements, retrospectives, and brainstorming with good results.
How do you facilitate cross-team conversations with a big group?
#Agile#WorldCafe#Facilitation#ContinuousImprovement#Collaboration