Preparation is key to running a successful session, and that involves building a solid understanding of the problem and the content.

Have conversations with stakeholders and participants about what they want out of the session to get a sense of the views coming to the table. Then, try to crystallise the ultimate goal of the session into one sentence. Every activity should be designed with that goal in mind.

From there, you’ll need to be flexible. You can plan the perfect agenda, but on the day, the conversation will evolve and you’ll have to pivot. That’s when knowing your North Star is crucial. No matter where the discussion might stray, if you remind everyone of that common goal, you can get it back on track.

Your role is to be a facilitator, not a one-way lecturer or an interviewer. You should not enter the room with preconceived outcomes or solutions. You are there to draw out different perspectives, highlight points of conflict and guide everyone towards a resolution. To do that, you need to create a safe space.

It is a cliche term, but allowing everyone to say their piece and listening to them without judgement is important. Most people are not ill-intended, and they need space to share their perspective and experience.

There will always be hard nuts to crack, but the moment you get judgemental is the moment you lose everyone. Letting that space exist where people feel comfortable asking questions, voicing their thoughts and taking the time to understand each other is key.

People will lose interest if your entire session is just sitting around a table asking questions. To keep them engaged, you need to integrate different strategies and respond to the energy in the room.

I always leave butcher’s paper and Post-It notes out with plenty of colourful pens so people can write or draw what comes to mind during a discussion. Getting everyone to stand up and walk around or having them use picture cards can also prevent activities from getting monotonous. You can use video stimulus, icebreaker activities, anonymous polls, Lego, the list goes on.

You’re not doing these activities for the sake of having a playful day. You need to be intentional. If you want to inspire out-of-the-box thinking, creative activities are great. On the other hand, if your purpose is to consolidate your ideas, sitting down for a serious conversation may be more appropriate.