<aside> 💡 Engage Everyone Simultaneously in Generating Questions, Ideas, and Suggestions (12 min.)

The foundational, simplest, are possibly best Liberating Structure - Immediately include everyone regardless of how large the group is. Generate better ideas and more of them faster than ever before. Tap the know-how and imagination of the whole group.

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The Steps 🔢

1. Structuring Invitation

• Ask a question in response to the presentation of an issue, or about a problem to resolve or a proposal put forward (e.g., What opportunities do YOU see for making progress on this challenge? How would you handle this situation? What ideas or actions do you recommend?)

2. How Space Is Arranged and Materials Needed

• Unlimited number of groups
• Space for participants to work face-to-face in pairs and foursomes
• Chairs and tables optional
• Paper for participants to record observations and insights

3. How Participation Is Distributed

• Everyone in the group is included (often not the facilitator)
• Everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute

4. How Groups Are Configured

• Start alone, then in pairs, then foursomes, and finally as a whole group

5. Sequence of Steps and Time Allocation

• Silent self-reflection by individuals on a shared challenge, framed as a question (e.g., What opportunities do YOU see for making progress on this challenge? How would you handle this situation? What ideas or actions do you recommend?) 1 min.
• Generate ideas in pairs, building on ideas from self-reflection. 2 min.
• Share and develop ideas from your pair in foursomes (notice similarities and differences). 4 min.
• Ask, “What is one idea that stood out in your conversation?” Each group shares one important idea with all (repeat cycle as needed). 5 min.