TRAININGS
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April 25, 27, 29, 2022
Approaches to Environmental Scanning
Having a shared context is key to effective planning. Equip yourself to set a foundation and context for strategic thinking and proactive planning, providing a shared base of knowledge.
Prerequisite:
Top Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Format:
Three 3.5-hour sessions
Before planning for the future, groups need to understand their history and the current dilemmas they face, as well as anticipate shifts and trends in their larger environment.
Environmental Scanning provides a way to quickly understand customer, staff or community perceptions and needs, delve into relevant data, and get groups on the same page to begin their work, but one size doesn’t fit all!
In this course, participants will explore 10 dynamic and creative ways to conduct group assessments, and then engage in hands-on practice to select the right approach for various situations. You’ll go back to this extensive “recipe book” of techniques again and again!
Upcoming Dates
Sept & Nov 2023
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ToP Strategic Planning
ToP Strategic Planning Online Edition translates the ToP Strategic Planning process to an online format that preserves the richness of the face-to-face version and moves it into the virtual world. Highly participatory, the Online Edition breaks down barriers and builds engagement wherever you may be.
Prerequisite:
Top Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Format:
Five 4-hour sessions
Each half-day segment is devoted to one of five phases of developing a strategic plan:
Preparation and Design; Practical Vision; Underlying Contradictions; Strategic Directions; and Focused Implementation.
For each segment, participants will participate in a demonstration of the process, followed by a review of the process experienced, key steps and approaches used and discussion of factors in facilitating the segment. This structure enables the experience of how the processes invite a wide range of thinking styles, invites participation from many perspectives and yields a coherent, practical plan.
Upcoming Dates
Nov 2023
Image credit: Una McAlinden
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Top Facilitation Methods - Online
Explore the landscape of facilitation and learn three key processes for activating group participation, in the acclaimed Institute of Cultural Affairs flagship course -- modified for the virtual world.
Prerequisite:
None
Format:
Four 4.5 hour sessions
In this engaging live online modular course you look at the landscape of facilitation and learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently guide any group in sharing diverse perspectives and accessing group wisdom to reach consensus and commitment.
The ToP foundational methods are: Focused Conversation, Consensus Workshop, and Action Planning.
Upcoming Dates
Contact us to discuss an in-house option
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Action Planning Application Lab
Become skilled in facilitating the ToP Action Planning Method using an online platform with this hands-on practice lab for TFM graduates. The 4-hour course includes an Action Planning template in both Miro and Google Slides.
Prerequisite:
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Format:
4.5 hour session
This course, hosted in Miro, offers graduates of TFM, who already have some familiarity with the ToP Action Planning method, the opportunity to learn and practice leading a group through it online. You will leave with increased confidence to create a productive short-term planning experience, shared agreements, benchmarks, and more.
Upcoming Dates
Contact Us
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Hybrid Meeting Bootcamp & MasterClass
Hybrid gatherings have been happening for years, remember the conference phone in the middle of the table with some name tents beside it? We've gotten used to effective and interactive virtual meetings so want to do better in a hybrid context, as some - but not all - return to the office. But it's far from simple!
Prerequisite:
None
Format:
TBD
Hybrid Bootcamp: Single 2 hour "tips and tricks" session offering a range of advice for those participating in or supporting hybrid sessions, such as common challenges with various tech and A/V setups and how to overcome them, roles and responsibilities of a "team," and engagement/inclusion strategies.
Hybrid Masterclass: Series of several sessions that are hands on/experiential and cover everything a facilitator or meeting lead would need to design and set up a successful hybrid session: needs assessment and pre-meeting checklist; technology and audio/video options and products; team roles and responsibilities and best practices; designing for inclusion, energy and effectiveness in hybrid settings; common challenges and how to address them; mental stance and readiness; plus peer coaching and problem solving.
Upcoming Dates
In-house only
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Virtual Meeting Bootcamp
Learn how to lead engaging, effective and collaborative meetings and events in the virtual space.
Connect with your team in a new and dynamic way, restoring a sense of community and connectedness.
Prerequisite:
None
Format:
Customized, approx 2.5 hours
Provide your team with a fast-paced, interactive session that takes your virtual toolkit to a new level. The bootcamp framework is structured to provide multiple ways to translate in-person activities to online spaces, including the use of warm-ups and meeting openers, individual and small group brainstorming, and group problem-solving and prioritizing, with techniques for closing reflections and application. The session can be customized in every stage and segment to meet specific needs of any team and address specific challenges and questions. The virtual platform can also be customized to reflect branding, extending its longevity and use.
Upcoming Dates
In-house only
Image credit: Jill Schmidt
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Virtual Platform Training
Maximize the benefits of your virtual whiteboard by getting your team comfortable and competent in creating basic meeting formats, onboarding and orienting participants, and preparing everyone for a productive meeting.
Prerequisite:
None
Format:
Customized, approx 2.5 hours
Learn how to lay out your board to reflect your agenda, using visual cues to help participants navigate easily. Assess the use of low, high, and even no-touch boards, get an understanding of account management, and learn tips and tricks for attractive yet simple board designs. Be equipped for potential challenges and ready to take your interactive meetings online, right away. Available as a group workshop or individual coaching support.
Upcoming Dates
In-house only
Image credit: Una McAlinden