The client

A large academic institution wanted to gain input for its 5-year strategic plan from all key internal stakeholders, in one session.

 

Challenges

• Large number of participants:  500 people

• Diversity of the group:  5 constituencies (students, faculty, support staff, professionals and management)

• Varying degrees of familiarity and experience with strategic planning

• Facilitation expertise was not available internally; there was only one external facilitator

• Short time frame:  ½ day

 

Solution

• Well-planned logistics was crucial (venue size and location, seating arrangements, audio-visual support, asking/answering questions, etc.)

• The magic happens when the large group is divided into smaller groups.  Participants worked in groups on various types of exercises.  Flip-charts, markers and other tools were provided.  Groups were encouraged to be creative in how they approached the exercises.

• Report-outs were additive, and done in a creative way, to minimize monotony.

 

Results

• Raw output – more than 200 flip chart pages of ideas and innovations

• Participants exhibited a high level of engagement and enthusiasm. They were pleasantly surprised at the amount and quality of the work accomplished in the short time frame.