Registration for this workshop has now closed.

Managers, planners, and analysts are frequently asked to predict the future. Unfortunately none of us is equipped with a crystal ball or a ticket to Mount Olympus to consult with the Oracles of Delphi. If we’re lucky, a facilitator may be called upon to help with the group’s uncertainty.

This workshop will focus on the HOW TOs of group decision-making or forecasting. We will specifically explore at least two methods each for conducting trend analyses, making expert judgments, and dealing with multi-option analyses. Attend this workshop so that when you are asked to serve as facilitator & futurist, you’ll be ready.

Participants of this workshop will be able to facilitate various group activities calling for decision-making and/or forecasting in the following three broad categories: Trend Analyses, Expert Judgment, and Multi-Option Analyses.

Trend Analyses

• How to incorporate various data analysis tools and techniques into your group decision-making meetings. In other words, how do we best facilitate data mining?
• How to use S-curves to illustrate trends in most life-cycle models and/or shifts in technology

Expert Judgment

• How to facilitate individual and group interviews (before, during, and after) a facilitated event
• How to execute idea generation and/or harness the power of nominal group technique via the use of Open Space and/or in a World Cafe environment

Multi-Option Analyses

• How to facilitate groups asked to explore future scenarios
• How to successfully facilitate role playing or simulations

By mid-day, participants in this workshop will have been introduced to and have practiced using at least six tools.

Speaker Bio:

John Lesko is a certified professional facilitator with a wide range of experience and clients from the private, public, and non-profit marketplace. As President of JohnLesko.Biz, he offers graphic facilitation and consulting services to help clients better see, understand, and solve their complex and wicked problems. As a co-founder of the Global Academy for Extraordinary Teams and Leaders, John provides leadership, team-building, and communication training for those who aspire to become extraordinary. Between gigs, John practices aikido and is a part-time high ropes / challenge course facilitator at George Mason University’s Center for Team and Organizational Learning.

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