Workshop Culture

Alison Coward is the founder of Bracket, a consultancy that partners with forward-thinking organisations to help them build high-performing teams. She is a facilitator, coach, trainer and keynote speaker. With 20 years’ experience of working in, leading and facilitating creative teams, Alison is passionate about helping teams to thrive and do their best work.

Coward shares a five element model that describes her approach to workshops. It’s clear, simple and highly implementable. I love it. - The HR DirectorThe best book on team culture I’ve read, I can‘t wait to implement with my team - Amazon 5*I have used workshops for years. I've been a facilitator and have run my own workshops. But this wonderful book shows that I've been thinking of it in the wrong way. I can be using workshops as a core methodology for implementing change. I can't wait to start using this guide in the field. Delighted to have found it. - Amazon 5*From the very beginning, this book is all about teams, communication and collaboration. I loved that. I was looking for a book on how to increase productivity at the workplace and instead came across one that reminded me of how to engage people, first as people and on their ideas and also what conflict is and how to be a better facilitator...this is for anyone who wants better for their workplace. – NetGalleyIf you're passionate about fostering collaboration, innovation, and a positive team environment, Workshop Culture is a must-read. Alison's expertise shines through, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their workshop experiences and drive meaningful results. – LinkedInAn amazing book. It's an inspiring insight into how to build a collaborative culture for teams but, more than that, it's practical and I can see already how it will make a significant difference at my company. – Amazon 5*An illuminating exploration into the impact of well-structured workshops on team performance and organizational success. It illustrates how embracing the principles underlying exceptional workshops can revolutionize team environments, fostering productivity, engagement, and a pervasive sense of fulfillment. – NetGalleyWhat ...sets this book apart is its deep dive into the root causes of workplace challenges, accompanied by real-world examples and success stories. The author's authenticity and wealth of experience shine through, making the content both engaging and practical. - Amazon 5*

• Foreword by Alex OsterwalderIntroductionPART 1: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMChapter 1: The impact of the problemImpact 1: bad meetingsImpact 2: low engagementImpact 3: lack of purposeWhy are you implementing a workshop culture?Chapter 2: Why workshops are the solutionWhy great workshops lead to great team culturesWhat you are designing for in a workshop culturePART 2: INTRODUCING WORKSHOP CULTUREChapter 3: Understanding workshop cultureThe four foundations of a workshop cultureFoundation 1: workshops are more than a one-off eventFoundation 2: maintain a constant balance between creativity and productivityFoundation 3: make tiny tweaks, not sweeping changesFoundation 4: a workshop culture is designedChapter 4: Leading a workshop cultureCollaboration: a collaboration mindsetFacilitation: there’s something about facilitationStrategic thinking: important, but not urgentDesign mindset: designing for culture changeTurning ideas to actionBehaviour changeIf you can run great workshops, you can implement a workshop culturePART 3: THE FRAMEWORKThe five-pillar framework for high-performing teamsChapter 5: Alignment – seeing the bigger pictureDynamic and fluid teamsThe bigger picture – setting your team’s direction: alignment, clarity and purposeStrategy development – ideas into actionCrystallizing team valuesChapter 6: Cohesion – self-awareness and connectionBalancing the team and individualBuilding self-awareness for team performanceIndividual productivity, team productivityBuilding empathy for team cohesionChapter 7: Communication – meetings and workshopsImpactful meetings use design and facilitationThe responsibility of a meeting facilitatorMake your meetings more workshop-likeFacilitation techniques to improve your meetingsA holistic look at our meetingsChapter 8: Design – designing ways of workingTeam culture as a product in developmentDesigning routines and rituals over ‘team building’Optimizing team productivity – what design can addressDesigning connectionChapter 9: Change – continuous improvementA new approach to changeUnderstanding behaviour changeTools and techniques to initiate and sustain changeBuilding a workshop culture – a blended approach to changeConclusionToolkitWorkshop Culture: A Guide to Building Teams That Thrive (summary)NotesAcknowledgementsAbout the AuthorIndex