𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐮𝐧 𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐟é 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌍☕

Facilitating meaningful conversations in large groups can be challenging. That’s where the World Café technique comes in! It’s a structured, interactive method to foster collaborative dialogue, uncover insights, and build consensus. Here’s how to run it effectively:

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 📋

1️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩:
Divide participants into small groups and assign each group to a table (station). Each table focuses on one specific aspect of the broader topic.

2️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬:
Designate a facilitator (lead) at each table. They stay at the table throughout the session, ensuring continuity.

3️⃣ 𝟏𝟎-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⏱️:
Start the first round with an open conversation about the table’s topic. Encourage all voices to be heard—this is where ideas begin to flow!

4️⃣ 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 🔄:
After 10 minutes, everyone rotates to a new table except the lead, who stays behind.

5️⃣ 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩 & 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 🗣️:
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.

6️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 🌐:
Complete when all participants have visited every table, and participate in each topic.

7️⃣ 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 🌾:
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.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

✅ Diverse Perspectives: Everyone contributes to every topic.
✅ Iterative Learning: Each conversation builds on the previous one—like Agile sprints!
✅ 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