6 Top Tips to running online Process Workshops

You can still collaborate, engage and share information effectively with your colleagues and clients. You just need a few tips and the right tools to run an online process workshop.

The next few months will be difficult for any business as we adjust to remote working and changes in business practices. Part of this big challenge will most definitely be getting used to getting the most out of ourselves and our peers while not physically being in the same space. At Skore we’re used to working remotely and our software has been designed to get the best out of any workshop while working online. You don’t need to abandon important process discovery workshops but rather take advantage of the latest technologies available to us all.  In these difficult times we’d like to share with you our top tips and resources on how to get the best out of a collaborative online process workshop. (https://www.getskore.com/my-top-3-tips-for-awesome-digital-discovery-workshops/) 

If you want to brush up on your process mapping skills – check out our guide here (https://www.getskore.com/process-mapping-guide/) 

So here are our top tips to help you. 

1 – Desktop Sharing Software

One of the most important steps here is getting a good desktop sharing software that you are familiar with and comfortable using. While we’re not recommending specific software, you can check out some popular systems here. The two important things to consider here is the quality of the audio / visual during the call and how easy you find it to use the software.

During the session you want to keep people focused on the process being mapped so it is essential to avoid distractions such as poor audio, or waiting for the facilitator / mapper to share the screen. If you’re familiar with using Skype, or Zoom for example, then this is probably a good option for you.

2 – Smaller Regular Workshops

Running workshops online is a different dynamic than when in the same room. People tend to be more focused for a shorter period as they concentrate on the screen rather than the normal social interaction experienced when physically together. It’s also harder to keep larger numbers of people engaged when you’re trying to facilitate the workshop, map the process and manage the online meeting.

We recommend running more, but shorter, workshops with fewer people. 3 to 4 people is probably ideal with sessions between 1 and 2 hours long. If you need to run several workshops with the same people, ensure there are good breaks between sessions. Not only do you want to give people breaks from the process but also give them a chance to catch up on emails and other comms. This helps prevent distractions during the session.

3 – Use Video

As you cannot be in the same room it’s still important to keep an eye on levels of engagement. When everyone is in the same room it’s easy to see who is dominating the workshop and who you need to engage with to make sure you get a good balance.

If you use video through your desktop sharing session you can also keep an eye on who is talking and who needs to be brought into the conversation. It’s not always possible to distinguish between people purely based on the sound of their voice.

Ideally you will have two screens, one on which you can see the participants videos and one where you will be mapping the process.

4 – Essential Pre-Workshop Preparation

With shorter sessions and fewer participants it’s essential that you plan carefully to make sure you can start quickly and have exactly the right people in the room. With face-to-face workshops you often have the luxury of spending time exploring the scope of the process and understanding whether you have the right people in the room.

With online process workshops we highly recommend that you are completely clear on the scope of the process and you have exactly the right people on the call. Our process workshop template will guide you through capturing and agreeing the information for each process you are capturing, download it here.

5 – 5 Steps To The Perfect Process

Once you start the workshop, mapping a process in Skore is no different. Make sure you follow the 5 steps to the perfect process. This approach helps you control the flow of the discussion and allows you to map at the speed of conversation.

6 – Provide Access To Processes

Finally, at the end of the session provide access to the process for all the participants. With shorter, more focused, sessions it’s likely participants will have more feedback afterward. Make sure they have access to the processes and show them how to leave feedback and comments.

The key to excellent online process workshops

Follow these simple steps and you are already on your way to running an awesome online process workshop. If you still have questions – why not sign up for one of our Free webinars currently running on how to deliver online process discovery workshops. Or if you need some expert assistance Skore are now offering their services to remotely facilitate for you at an extremely competitive hourly rate. If you have any question on the contents of this blog or just would like to chat to an expert – get in touch at [email protected] .