Free Facilitation Course: Simple tips for less terrible meetings
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Introduction

Meet your coach
What you won't learn
The three big meeting problems we'll tackle
The seven tricks I'll teach you
When did I write this course?
1. Setup roles and rules so that it feels like a game

Introduction
Set the time keeper role or bad cop
Set the caring parent role or good cop
Set minimal rules and make people agree to them personally
Remember this
2. Define a time limit per topic to ensure you end up on time

Introduction
Realize that you have less time than planned
Set a buffer time
Set a visible timer for each topic
Remember this
3. Use sticky notes to show where the discussion is

Introduction
Put sticky notes on a wall and use them to build clarity
Use one sticky note per idea, group it and move it
Write in an easy to read way
Remember this
4. Create a parking space for new ideas and off topic elements

Introduction
Make the parking visible and tell the story
Have time? Review the parking at the end
In a rush? Add categories in your parking
Remember this
5. Use votes to not talk for hours about what's already obvious

Introduction
Give multiple dots to vote and make it fun
Use faith or another culturally relevant voting criteria
Use multiple rounds of votes for complex decisions
Remember this
6. Make people work in smaller groups and then share the summary

Introduction
Split for discussion and join for sharing
Make groups of no more than 4
Give a clear challenge, a clear timing and a clear end result
Remember this
7. Separate the mindsets to make it less confusing

Introduction
Separate coming up with ideas and deciding
Separate the criteria when deciding
Mark the separation of mindsets
Remember this
What you learned and how to make it stick

Introduction
Review the summary and the one thing to remember
Learn by teaching
Make a plan
End notes

Introduction
Thank you note
License

Make the parking visible and tell the story

An illustration of a car mechanic working on a car that is elevated

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.