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A step-by-step guide to planning a workshop

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People sat in a circle playing a team building game.

Top 21 5-minute team building activities for instant engagement

Want to encourage connection between team members but never seem to have enough time? 5-minute team building activities are an effective way to improve team cohesion, deepen connections and create energy quickly! In this post, we'll share some of the best team building activities you can run with zero-prep and with in-person and remote teams alike. You'll find tried and tested activities used by experienced facilitators and team leaders alongside instructions for using them. Let's take a look. Why run 5-minute team building activities? As Forbes notes, team building is one of the best investments you can make in your team. Five minutes isn't a long time. So is it…

A picture of Alex, a white man in glasses and a yellow jumper against a yellow background.

7 practical GenAI use cases for facilitators and trainers

How can incorporating AI into our workflows truly make a difference for facilitators and trainers? In this article, we will explore seven generative AI use cases for facilitated workshops and training programs. We will look at real, practical use cases for preparing sessions, improving outcomes while running workshops, and documenting the outcomes of a discussion. Using AI is not just about saving time: it can actually enhance how you run your training practice. Let’s see how! In this article, you will find practical, real-world use cases. My purpose is not to exhaust the possibilities of AI for facilitators and trainers, but rather to kick-start a learning process, expose you to…

What is a workshop and why should you run one?

Workshops are more than just interactive meetings. They're a space for groups to come together around a shared goal, collaborate effectively and solve complex problems. If you're wondering what a workshop is, how they differ from training or meetings, or just want to start running them, you're in the right place! A great workshop can create innovation, connection and transformation for both companies and individuals. In this article, we'll explore what workshops are, what benefits you can expect, and also show you some workshop examples that you can use for inspiration when working with your team. What is a workshop? A workshop is a structured and interactive session designed to…

Facilitator running a leadership workshop with her team.

How to conduct an effective leadership workshop

Great teams are built on a foundation of great leaders. But how do leaders grow and develop the skills necessary to help their teams do great work and collaborate with purpose? Structured training programs and leadership skills workshops can help provide dedicated space for your leaders to level-up and grow in a collaborative format. In this guide, we'll explore why your team should invest in the growth of your leaders and share practical advice for how to facilitate an effective leadership workshop. Let's dive in! What is a leadership workshop? A leadership workshop is a collaborative session where new and existing leaders develop the skills needed to be effective leaders…

10 effective workshop rules for more productive sessions

Workshops are dynamic, participatory environments where collaboration thrives. To set the tone and ensure productive teamwork, it’s a common practice for leaders and facilitators to establish agreements at the start of a session—often called 'ground rules'. But why are workshop rules so essential? They create a framework for how groups work together, increasing clarity, preventing misunderstandings, and keeping discussions focused. Whether you’re leading a brainstorming session, a team alignment meeting, or a training workshop, ground rules set the stage for meaningful collaboration. In this article, we’ll explore what workshop rules are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively. You’ll find plenty of examples, practical methods for co-creating them…

Group discussing ideas during an ideation workshop

How to run an engaging ideation workshop

Want to know a secret about ideation? Coming up with ideas is easy. But what separates a good idea from a great solution is collaboration, refinement and strategic thinking. Enter the ideation workshop: a proven format for generating new ideas and turning them into effective solutions. In this guide, we'll share an effective ideation workshop structure and a heap of tips for running an effective ideation process, whether you're trying to solve problems for users or simply need to create innovation in any context. What is an ideation workshop? An ideation workshop is a structured process for brainstorming innovative ideas and refining them into effective solutions. For me, an ideation…

20 impactful workshop ideas for your next event

Workshops are a powerful, dynamic format for getting stuff done as a group. Whether you're a manager working on skills development or a creative professional building space for innovation and fun, a workshop is one of the most effective ways to accomplish a shared goal. But how to choose the right workshop format to use and how to make the most of time spent together as a team? In this blog post, we'll share workshop ideas ranging from corporate sessions you can use to make an impact in the workplace all the way through to creative activities you can use to engage participants at any workshop event. When should I…

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How to run a workshop (with a free workshop design canvas)

Are you preparing to debut as a facilitator, trainer, or workshop guide? Maybe you’re a team leader who’d like to try out more collaborative methods but are unsure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place. In this quick starter guide we will go through all the essential information you need to confidently run your first workshop. Taking it step-by-step, we will look into how to craft an invitation, what to include in the opening section of your event, how to guide the group through activities, and what to do in closing. To get you started designing your first workshop, we've also included a free Workshop Design Canvas you…

How Voltage Control designs and facilitates impactful workshops with SessionLab

Voltage Control is a top facilitation academy that focuses on improving how teams gather and move towards desired outcomes. They offer public facilitation certifications designed to support leaders’ growth in facilitation skills, as well as corporate programs that bring facilitation training in-house. Since the beginning, SessionLab has been a key part of Voltage Control’s process. As Erik Skogsberg describes, it’s an essential tool that allows the team to design adaptable agendas and effectively navigate complex discussions across teams and locations. By integrating SessionLab into their approach, Voltage Control helps organizations achieve impactful results and move the needle in meaningful ways How Voltage Control use SessionLab to design workshops and deliver…

A young woman reading a book in a library

The top 11 most recommended facilitation books you’ll want to read

Looking to fill your bookshelf (or e-reader) with essential texts on facilitation and workshop design? This is the place to be! Here at SessionLab, we've surveyed over a thousand facilitators, trainers, and leaders to uncover their top go-to facilitation books. Read on to find the 11 recommendations not to be missed! Reading facilitation books will help you understand the deeper roots of the role, give you a bedrock of activities and tools and of course, if you are purchasing these as actual books and putting them on a shelf, will also provide you with a lovely and appropriate background for all your video calls. Why facilitation books matter Facilitation is…

What to keep in mind when hiring a facilitator

When a group faces tough challenges, effective facilitation can help create space for inclusive and engaging change. But when should you consider bringing in a professional facilitator to host a workshop or event? How can you ensure it's a worthwhile investment of your time and money? In this guide, we'll explore what to keep in mind when choosing to hire a facilitator, what to expect from them, and give you some idea of the cost of a facilitator's services too! Understanding the role of a facilitator Before diving into the specifics of hiring, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what a facilitator does and how they'll be able…

What is group facilitation? 12 tips for better group management

Group facilitation is more than just bringing people together in a room and hoping for the best. It’s about removing obstacles and creating the right conditions where collaboration can thrive. When a meeting or event flows well, it can feel like magic. But it actually isn't: you can easily improve your day-to-day meetings or stakeholder events by applying some simple group management tips. In this article, we’ll explore what makes group facilitation effective and share 12 tips to help you bring out the best in any group you’re working with. What is group facilitation? Whenever a group of people assembles to get something done, there is a need for guidance…

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