Now the summer is well and truly over, in an effort to reengage and motivate staff, managers and leaders often look for different ways to bring people together (either in person or online) to re-connect.  While many of these meetings will involve structured agendas, often leaders want to brainstorm ideas or as an opportunity to share different experiences. But a blank whiteboard – virtual or real – and a request for input is rarely enough.

Firstly, the session lead needs to be a good facilitator to get the best from the session.  This means someone who can:

• Listen well and summarise regularly to keep things on track

• Apply appropriate ground rules to ensure all voices are respected

• Read the room and react to emerging dynamics

• Reflect on their own impact on the session  

• Have a plan and a plan b, know when the stick to the plan and when to throw caution to the wind

• Ensure there is follow up as what happens after a session is as important as what happens within it!

But what about the actual session itself?   Here we outline three traditional group techniques and two more creative options for you to try. Let us know how you get on!

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