MHC works with agencies to facilitate effective committees, meetings, workshops, strategic planning meetings and also provides ongoing effective secretariat services for committees. If you need help with this, or any other of our core MHC services in research strategy, evaluation and review, and strategy and programs, please get in touch.
If you’ve ever dreaded yet another workshop invitation, discover five key tips that could transform your next session from a frustrating talkfest into an engaging and productive experience.
1: Choose an experienced and knowledgeable facilitator
2: Ensure the facilitator knows how to get things done
3: Plan well and focus on collaborative work
4: Set clear outcomes
5: Get the right people in the room
Do you dread seeing another workshop invitation in your inbox? Most of us have been frustrated by wasting time at workshops that involved endless chatter dominated by the loudest voices and vague outcomes that never seem to lead to real change.
Scepticism around the value of workshops is common, often rooted in experiences where workshops became non-productive talkfests, driven by HIPPOs (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion).
But what if workshops didn’t have to be this way? What if you and your stakeholders and clients actually found workshops engaging, productive and perhaps even enjoyable?
Here’s five tips that could make all the difference to your next workshop:
A skilled facilitator can make or break a workshop. It’s not just about someone who keeps the conversation moving, but someone with the expertise to guide discussions meaningfully. A facilitator who knows the subject matter can steer the discussion away from distractions and towards actionable insights.
Beyond knowledge, a facilitator needs to deliver results. This is someone who knows how to translate discussion into action, ensuring workshop outcomes don’t just gather dust but drive real change.
There’s nothing worse than a workshop that feels thrown together. A well-planned workshop is like a well-oiled machine; every part has a purpose, and each session builds on the last. Collaboration is key – it’s not about talking at people but getting them to work together to solve problems and create meaningful outcomes.
Successful workshops have clear, tangible outcomes. Everyone in the room should know exactly what the workshop aims to achieve, and by the end, there should be a clear plan of action. Without this, workshops can feel like aimless conversations, leaving participants frustrated.
This seems obvious but is often overlooked. Having the right mix of people – those with the knowledge, authority, and interest to contribute meaningfully – is crucial. When the right voices are heard, and the right expertise is present, workshops can become truly effective.
The five tips above are crucial for ensuring your workshops are productive and engaging. At MHC, we work with agencies to facilitate effective committees, meetings, workshops, and strategic planning sessions. Our experienced team ensures that every workshop is purpose-driven, with clear outcomes and the right people in the room. If you need support in strategy, implementation, research, evaluation, or program delivery, we’re here to help as well. Visit us at mhcgroup.com.au.