Tool 57

Pro-action cafÉ

What the tool is

This is a powerful technique used for collaborative problem solving with a large group and is built on World café (see Tool 56) and Open space (see Tool 55) principles. Individuals raise issues that they would like to discuss, based on a central theme. The technique allows exploration of the quest behind the question and what everyone needs to know to make the picture more complete.

When to use it

  • When you need to move relatively quickly from problem solving to action.
  • For strategic planning.
  • For organisational design.
  • For any decision making that will affect people cross-functionally.

What you will need

  • A large circle of chairs, one per participant, and additional tables to accommodate small ...

Get The Smart Solution Book now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.