“Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Act 02 – Scene 39 – Amanda Gelb

Amanda's LinkedIn Profile: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gelb/⁠ Amanda's company: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/aha-studio-inc/⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Amanda Gelb discuss the critical role of workshops in design and the importance of stakeholder buy-in, exploring strategies for effectively communicating the value of workshops, managing group dynamics, and harnessing divergent opinions. They emphasize the necessity of clear agendas and objectives, understanding participants' needs, and the significance of collaboration and the role of play in fostering creativity. Amanda highlights the importance of workshop facilitation skills as a bridge from individual contributor to design leader, sharing insights on navigating conflicts, enhancing collaboration and decision-making within organizations, and providing practical techniques for successful workshop facilitation. The discussion also touches on the need for better representation of workshop skills in design education and social media, while emphasizing the necessity of being a leader in the design space.

Takeaways

·      Workshops can be a waste of time if not structured properly.

·      Clear objectives and next steps are crucial for effective workshops.

·      Diverse opinions can lead to conflict, but they can also drive innovation.

·      Facilitators should give themselves permission to interrupt when necessary.

·      Using playful methods like Lego can enhance engagement in workshops.

·      Understanding your audience is key to successful facilitation.

·      Conflict capture techniques can help manage disagreements.

·      Workshops should be designed with the end goal in mind.

·      Collaboration skills are essential for effective workshop facilitation.

·      Leaders must be proactive in guiding discussions and decisions.

 

Chapters

00:48 - Exploring Key Themes

01:49 - Setting the Stage for a Comfortable Conversation

03:44 - The Importance of Workshops in Design

06:49 - Understanding the Role of a Workshop Facilitator

09:54 - Navigating Workshop Dynamics and Decision-Making

12:51 - Balancing Inclusivity and Efficiency in Workshops

15:57 - Strategies for Effective Workshop Outcomes

18:51 - Overcoming FOMO and Ensuring Engagement

21:43 - The Leadership Role in Workshop Facilitation

24:59 - The Importance of Workshops in Leadership

28:23 - Creating Collaborative Spaces for Effective Workshops

33:47 - Navigating Conflict and Divergent Opinions

40:01 - Building Confidence in Moderation and Collaboration

44:15 - The Role of Cross-Functional Leadership

46:40 - Innovative Workshop Techniques: LEGO Serious Play

44:42 - The Importance of Stakeholder Buy-In 

51:21 - Effective Communication in Workshops 

54:32 - The Role of Workshops in Design 

54:32 - Evangelizing Workshop Skills

 

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