A workshop is a lengthier interactive meeting that combines a group of people with a common goal of solving a problem or working on a specific project. They are usually led by a trainer or facilitator who works with a planned series of activities, presentations, or facilitated hands-on interaction that will lead to the desired result.
Though led by a facilitator, workshops are designed for interaction between participants to yield the best results for the chosen problem or project. Longer than meetings, and more interactive than training sessions or seminars, workshops are designed to emphasize collaboration and active participation.
Definition and Purpose of Workshops
A workshop is a structured, interactive meeting that is focused on solving a problem, working on a project, or achieving a common goal through interaction, active participation, and collaboration. By building on the different strengths of workshop participants, workshops not only prompt creativity, they also foster connections between participants that, prior to the workshop, may not have existed.
Workshops not only promote participation, but they can also build a stronger, more creative team, by offering an effective way to collaborate. Workshop participants are encouraged to brainstorm, identify problems or solutions from their point of view, and collaborate on decision-making and solutions. This can be especially useful if the project is far-reaching or complex since several points of view can be offered. Encouraging participants to interact, allows them to see beyond their scope and solutions, learn from each other, and use that combined input to reach their goal.
Types of Workshops
Though all workshops consist of a facilitator, participants, and a goal, the type of workshop can have endless possibilities. A few ideas are:
- Decision-Making Workshops. This type of workshop is designed to solve a problem by making a team decision. Since many participants may be specialists in one particular aspect, they may be immune to looking at the implications of their decision-making to others. A decision-making workshop allows participants to collaborate and find the optimal decision to reach their goals.
- Ideation Workshops. This type of workshop allows a free-flowing exchange of ideas. Often, brainstorming allows participants to release their creativity and then guides them into selecting the best ideas to meet their collective goal. This type of workshop not only promotes participation but also fosters creativity and innovation.
- Retrospective Workshops. These workshops are perhaps the icing on the workshop cake. Complex problems that require lengthy, intense workshop participation may culminate in a final workshop meeting that allows participants to look back on what has been accomplished and reflect on their growth and creativity.
Benefits of Participating in Workshops
Creating and implementing workshops benefits employers and participants. When executed properly, workshops can make problem-solving a positive experience, with benefits for all involved.
The benefits of participating in workshops are:
- Participants may not only learn new skills, but they may also improve existing skills.
- Workshops encourage cross-functional, interdepartmental collaboration.
- Workshops promote networking, and relationships may continue after the workshop.
- Participants get a broader understanding and increased expertise on the topic.
- Employees become more engaged and productive.
- Participants are able to relate better and acquire ownership of the goal.
- Workshops spark growth, creativity, and productivity.
Is a Workshop Right for You?
Workshops don’t just happen. They require preparation that includes a facilitator, planning, and a desired outcome. A facilitator can keep the group on topic while offering guidance toward the goal. Planning for the type of workshop you want to present is necessary in order for the participants to work together and feel included and respected. Knowing the desired outcome is necessary to keep the workshop moving in the right direction.
At Miller Tanner Associates, we know that workshops take work. We know that workshops are often built around complex problems or projects, and that can be overwhelming. We are experts in creating, designing, and facilitating workshops for small businesses as well as large, multi-location corporations. Contact us today so we can talk about how Miller Tanner Associates can help you.
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