Next, the table host welcomes the new guests and briefly shares the main ideas, themes and questions of the initial conversation. They may or may not choose to leave one person as the “table host” for the next round. They can also note key ideas on large index cards, post-it notes or placemats in the centre of the group.Īt the end of the time, the overall facilitator gets each member of the group to move to a different new table. Participants are encouraged to write, doodle and draw key ideas on their tablecloths. These can last for twenty to thirty minutes each. These rounds of conversation happen for each of the small groups seated around a table. The process begins with the first of three or more rounds. They set the context, share the Cafe Etiquette, and put participants at ease. The overall host/facilitator begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the World Café process. It is likely to be more formal and harder for everyone to contribute if there are more than six or seven seats. Although it is possible to have more it can become harder to facilitate. Ideally, there should be four chairs at each table.
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By agreeing that only people holding the spoon can talk, and by sharing the spoon around equally, everyone gets to contribute without interruption. You can also use an optional “talking stick/spoon” item if you want to control contributions. In addition, you can then add some extra paper and post-it notes, coloured pens, and perhaps a point of interest such as a vase of flowers. This is most often modelled after a café for example, small round tables covered with a tablecloth (preferably that can be drawn/written upon). Create the Settingįirstly you need to create a “special” environment. To organise and facilitate a World Cafe workshop follow these steps: 1. Here is the method, the seven design principles and the etiquette for The World Cafe system: The World Café Method It can also produce a rich and innovative output. When run properly, with the right balance of informality and structure, the World Cafe is a very effective way of facilitating a workshop. “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” Robin Williams By applying this tried and tested method, there is an excellent chance of producing innovative ideas and sharing knowledge that can be put into practice. The World Cafe system is facilitator-led and is based upon a specific method and seven design principles. This encourages the sharing of ideas in a relaxed, informal and creative atmosphere.
![phil cook on world cafe phil cook on world cafe](https://cookmagazine.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Philresca-Day3-IMG_0042.jpg)
Similarly to the Gurteen Knowledge Cafe, the approach is designed to get authentic dialogues started. The World Cafe workshop methodology fosters an environment that develops good conversations. Ultimately the amount of communication breakdown and lack of support made my experience at Phil & Sebastian a negative one.Some great ideas generated by World Cafe – servantofchaos via Flickr The World Café Workshop, Meeting and Facilitation Method and Principles The hiring manager (who oversees all the cafes) was similarly unhelpful, failing to check in during my time with the company and ultimately terminating my employment in an abrupt and unprofessional manner, quoting several inaccurate allegations. I found the people at my cafe (undisclosed for confidentiality) to be cliquey and ultimately unsupportive with poor communication and little guidance from the cafe manager. Ultimately though, feeling at home in your workplace and accepted by the team are far more important factors in my mind. Training was provided, however it was rather limited in scope and did not transfer well from the training room to the cafe environment. The coffee is great, the work environment is relatively easygoing, and staff receives free drinks and discounted food. In my short time working at Phil & Sebastian, I was unfortunately not made to feel welcome.