How to quickly close a workshop

How to quickly close a workshop when you’re running out of time

There are plenty of approaches regarding how to quickly close a workshop…

Finishing a workshop on time is important to me – especially when people have to travel.

At a two day planning workshop for an Emergency Services  client, I’d stated that we’d finish Day Two by 1:59pm. (It was Friday afternoon and people had planes to catch.)

So the pressure was on…

It’s time – here’s how to quickly close a workshop!

Picture yourself in the facilitator’s (my) shoes…

The final session on revising the ‘Terms of Reference’ has to be completed. During the program we’d talked repeatedly about the importance of reflection in building a learning culture within organisations. So I can’t let people leave without some form of reflection.

It’s now 1:58pm and taxis are booked for 2:15pm…

I remember one of my facilitators golden rules – never carry around other people’s baggage.

Reflection is the participant’s responsibility. So with 60 seconds left on the clock, this is what I say…

“As you travel home, think over the last few days. Consider what you were anticipating before arriving, your expectations that we discussed and what you experienced throughout the two days we’ve had together. Once you’ve done this, write down a word or short statement that reflects how you’re feeling now that our work is done.”

With that I thank everyone for their participation, patience and persistence and close the workshop – at 2:00pm.

There are some downsides to this approach

Some people may have left without a sense of completion due to the ‘rushed’ nature of the finish.

Others may still have had something important to offer in the closing stages of the workshop

The hidden upsides

This approach can actually give more reflective people the timeout they need away from a group to process what went on what it meant to them.

Having some ‘in-between’ time can create the thinking space they really need.

Another option for closing a workshop

If you do have some more time, here’s a ‘go to’ option to close a workshop.

1. Do a brief recap of the core workshop elements
2. Ask participants ‘what worked well?’ (They can do this  solo or in pairs)
3. Ask ‘what could be improved?’ (Again either solo or in pairs)
4. Provide a challenge with ‘Based on the results of today, what’s one action you will implement over the coming week?’
5. Finish with a BIG thanks to all involved!

PS – Need help in conducting your next workshop? Get in touch to schedule a call.

PPS – Remember to check out my reignited ‘Working with Teams’ podcast. In this new episode my colleagues James and Isabella sat me down and went hard at me to take a ‘deep dive’ into Designing a Strategic Planning Session