Make the parking visible and tell the story
Make the parking visible and tell the story
Free Facilitation Course: Simple tips for less terrible meetings
1. Setup roles and rules so that it feels like a game
1. Setup roles and rules so that it feels like a game
2. Define a time limit per topic to ensure you end up on time
2. Define a time limit per topic to ensure you end up on time
3. Use sticky notes to show where the discussion is
3. Use sticky notes to show where the discussion is
4. Create a parking space for new ideas and off topic elements
4. Create a parking space for new ideas and off topic elements
5. Use votes to not talk for hours about what's already obvious
5. Use votes to not talk for hours about what's already obvious
6. Make people work in smaller groups and then share the summary
6. Make people work in smaller groups and then share the summary
7. Separate the mindsets to make it less confusing
7. Separate the mindsets to make it less confusing
What you learned and how to make it stick
What you learned and how to make it stick
When I have enough time, I tell this story of the nuclear plant and the bike shed. And then I explain to the meeting participants that I want that we stay focused on the important conversation. Therefore I have created a little parking space. It's there for all the other interesting ideas that are smart but not in the focus for today. I then take a big sticky note and write down: "Parking" on it. And then, I stick it on the wall.
I often conclude by saying:
You know, I'm a passionate guy, if you see that I go in too much details about something, you can ask me: "Daniele, I feel this is a bike shed topic, shall we put it in the parking?". And as you will do this with me, I'll allow myself to do the same with you.
If you don't have much time, leave the story but still explain that you have a parking spot for everything that needs to be remembered but is out of focus for today.
By the way, the story of the nuclear plant is one that is inspired by the term "bike shedding". If you want to look smart in your next dinner party read the Wikipedia article about it, it's a lovely conversation starter.