Maximising Stakeholders’ Buy-in during the Change (Guidelines)

Introduction

This explains how to facilitate a participatory workshop to encourage ‘buy-in’ by key stakeholders.

Guidelines a participatory workshop

• No ranks or hierarchies (interested in ideas, not positions in the organisation)
• Sometimes at these workshops people get pushed “outside zones of comfort” (no apologies for this as it is not a talk fest; people can leave at any time)
• Keep to agenda and timetable (part of facilitator’s role)
• Not an AGM (does not follow formal meeting procedures, such as putting motions with seconders, etc)
• Focus on big opportunities (look at the forest and not the trees; 80:20 rule; understand the big picture)
• Speak freely and respect others’ opinions & views (show respect to other people’s perspectives)
• If discussion becomes one-on-one, or personal, etc (then facilitators reserve the right to step in)
• Leave your egos and hidden agendas outside (move beyond self-interest)
• Create a relaxing, safe atmosphere (your mind works best in this environment)
• KISS principle (keep jargon out)
• Facilitators or process consultants (not here to give you the answers but to guide the discussion)
• Teamwork (working in discussion groups to understand the causes of the challenges and develop possible solutions)
• As interactive as you want it to be, but one person talking at a time (don't interrupt when another person is talking)
• All output on flip charts (as basis for writing up of findings)
• Form discussion groups & alternate scribe from each group (the scribe should be the presenter)
• Sequence of presentations

- presenter presents

- presenter’s group can comment

- open discussion by all attendees

• Presentations & discussions are taped (to help accuracy of the write-up, etc)
• Use of the concept of a “floater” (a person is available to help the groups in their discussion)
• Please turn mobile phones off or to silent mode
• Have some fun!!!!!!!!