Workshop Preparation Made Easy: 7 Steps to Success

How to nail the preparation of your workshops ?

“ By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail “ — Benjamin Franklin

Are you planning to organize a workshop but not sure where to start? 🤔 Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are seven essential steps to ensure that your workshop runs smoothly.

Step #1 : Define the workshop objectives

To create a successful workshop, it’s crucial to define clear objectives. Start by understanding why your customers are gathering and the specific problem they hope to address. By clarifying these key points, you can design a workshop that meets their needs and achieves tangible outcomes.

Step #2 : Identify customers’ expectations

To ensure your workshop meets your customers’ needs, it’s essential toidentify their expectations. Ask yourself: what do they want to get out of the workshop? By understanding their desired outcomes, you can pick the right set of activities to meet their expectations and deliver a truly valuable experience.

Step #3: Pick the right team !

Choosing the right team for your workshop is key. A diverse group with different backgrounds and expertise. will help you generate fresh ideas and insights. Avoid inviting too many people, as this can make things less efficient and manageable, aim for a team of 5 to 7 people.

Step #4 : Plan the workshop agenda

When planning your workshop agenda, define the specific activities that will lead the group to achieve its goals and meet its expectations. Be sure to carefully consider the timing for each activity and include some buffer time as a safety net.

Step #5 : Create the workshop content

Now, it’s time to start preparing the content for your workshop. This includes creating necessary slides, examples for exercises to clarify instructions, etc. Use key information to pre-fill exercises and consider additional materials that will help your customers achieve their goals.

Step #6 : Communicate effectively to manage expectations

As you get closer to the workshop, make sure you’re talking to the workshop participants ! Let them know what the objectives are, what the plan is, and anything else they need to be aware of. Get them excited for what’s to come by sharing a little sneak peek of the workshop.

Step #7 : Set-up the workshop’s experience

Congratulations, you’re almost ready to facilitate your workshop! Last task on your to-do list is to prepare the room. Remove any chairs or tables that are not needed and bring what you need to work your workshop magic: sharpies, sticky notes, magic paper, snacks, tape, scissors etc.

Follow these 7 steps and I can garanty that your workshop will run smoothly

While it’s rare that a workshop will fully stick to the plan you prepared, the value of preparation lies in the deeper connection you develop with the topic, the ability to consider different angles, and ultimately be more ready for whatever comes your way.

For more content on facilitation, feel free to follow me on linkedin ! I regularly write about workshop facilitation and how it can help your team solve big problems, generate new ideas and make the right decision faster.