The envelope please

The scenario

A group comes together to make some hard numbers based decisions. They need to develop a united and agreed approach. Some come with solutions already in mind, keen to present their views at the earliest opportunity.

So – what’s the problem?

Answers put on the table too early can mean lost opportunities and create a potential defence of positions. The challenge is to capture this valuable pre‑thinking and meet the objectives and needs of the whole group.

A suggested approach

Provide each person with a large envelope containing blank sheets of paper. Invite everyone to note, draw or contemplate ideas focused on the core objective.

Then, open up the space with the question – what do you need to discuss before you can move to decisions and agreement?

Creating conversations that the group selects and organizes presents new perspectives, adds missing pieces of information and begins to build a group awareness of the issues they are facing together.

At various points of the day, allow time for individuals to return to their envelopes and review the contents. The notes remain with the envelope owner until the right time emerges for people to share their thoughts as they have evolved.

Lynn Walsh – workshop and meeting facilitator – Sydney