Special Self Directed Module

Consensus Workshop Method Course

Powerful method to build consensus in any group
Ramp up creativity, motivation and desire to implement by building a strong consensus.

Powerful method to facilitate and build consensus

Part of the Group Facilitation Methods course

Prerequisite : None *

Move beyond “seat-of-the-pants” facilitation and reliance on instinct. Use this most powerful facilitation method to build a consensus within any group.

Build a strong foundation on which the members of any small or large group can stand. Generate commitment and the desire to implement.

This method is required to become a Certified ToP Facilitator (CTF). It is taught in the Group Facilitation Methods (GFM)  course and is part of the Professional Facilitator Program, the ToP Facilitation Essentials Program, the Facilitative Leadership Program and the Advanced Facilitator Program.

The Consensus Workshop Method can now be taken on its own without other courses.

Theory

This self-paced, self-directed course contains all the theory of the CWM in the in-person and the online GFM. Method templates are included to prepare you for real client work. The templates carry key theory within them. Stages, steps and procedures are explained in detail. Get:

  • books and a manual
  • live and animated videos
  • templates
  • lots of examples
  • instructional games
  • practice sessions

Demonstration

The course has videos of instructors and participants using the CWM in simulated and real case studies. The videos demonstrate best practice use of the method. You can visit them again and again.

Application

The CWM can be used for planning, building models and frameworks, dealing with conflict, problem solving, creating vision and strategy, analyzing root causes and much more. This self directed course includes examples of products from actual clients as downloadable pictures, pdfs and powerpoints so you can see what can be achieved.

Practice

The course includes assignments that help build confidence in your use of the method. Some assignments can be done on your own and others with a small group of friends, colleagues or family you convene for enhanced learning.

Certificate-level course assignments are uploaded and receive comments from ICA instructors or facilitators. The Introductory-level course receives no feedback from instructors, but you can switch to the Certificate-level anytime.

Certificate-level course is CAD$790 (approximately US$560) plus tax.

Introductory-level course is CAD$395 (approximately US$280) plus tax.

You can switch to Certificate-level anytime for CAD$395 (approximately US$280) plus tax.

Benefits

Focus group energy on common goals

  • Enable groups to form consensus
  • Facilitate solid commitment to results
  • Encourage group creativity

Build motivation and improve morale

  • Help groups resolve conflict
  • Build respect and trust in groups
  • Create lively effective teamwork
  • Generate positive interaction

Make groups more productive and effective

  • Conduct easier, faster meetings
  • Save time and money on meetings
  • Involve participants in discussions
  • Get more ideas into the mix

Modules

  • Overview
  • Thought Process and Mental Model
  • Five Stages
  • Team Simulation Exercise
  • Personal Practice
  • Power of the Method
  • Live Demonstration videos
  • Full Practice with a Group
  • Experienced facilitators get reinforcement in what you are already doing well and pointing out those areas that need work.
  • New facilitators start out on a solid foundation with best practices used by professional facilitators around the world.
  • Executives, managers and other leaders become acquainted with a key facilitation skill that will immediately enhance your leadership capacity.
  • Consultants see how to engage clients more effectively in requirements gather, analysis and solutions.
  • Presenters and trainers get new a practical tools that will enhance adult learning principles and help build curriculum.
  • Anyone who wants to be assessed by as an ICA Certified ToP Facilitator (CTF)

Learn a powerful method to enhance your facilitation

The Consensus Workshop Method provides a participative and respectful way to move a group toward consensus on those important topics that everyone wants a breakthrough.

  • Involves each group member
  • Gets all the ideas into the mix
  • Focuses the group consensus
  • Builds an effective team partnership
  • Enables you to facilitate large groups

Join the Introductory Level CWM in self-directed, non-certificate study and get all the demonstration, theory, application, practice and design of our regular courses. You will confidently be able to use everything immediately with your clients or in-house in your organization. You can upgrade anytime to the Certificate Level self-directed CWM to get feedback on your assignments from our trainers, and a Certificate of Completion.

Testimonials

An incredibly well-thought through and deep approach to understanding the interconnection between cultural racism and our individual experiences of racism. Perhaps, most importantly, creating and implementing an action plan to address racism in our realms of influence. Christine and Ranvir are true gifts to this work.

Catherine Tornbom and Sunny Walker Diversity Innovators

I would like to thank you for leading the DLC Course 2023. It was challenging to contemplate spending three full days contemplating racism and bias and what we can immediately do to identify and address systemic racism, systemic discrimination, and unconscious bias to build alliances in employment, economic, political, cultural, and social institutions. That said, The time was well-spent. Your course was challenging, but engaging and educational, and you were always there to support and ready to help uncover the intricacies behind these societally relevant topics as Canada becomes more diverse. I enjoyed hearing the diverse perspectives of my colleagues tremendously, and I look forward to taking another class with you.

Margarett Ennis-Trottman

Thank you so much for the space you created for us to learn (and unlearn) about intersecting systems of oppression and exclusion - and the grace you extended to us as learners. I felt deeply supported to ask questions without worrying about how the wording of those questions or reflections would land. We need more of these spaces and conversations in the world.

Lindsay Humber

The ToP™ Facilitation Essentials Program is a comprehensive, well thought out program to develop effective facilitators. The materials are well laid out, comprehensive, and clear. Trainee engagement (demonstrating participant engagement) is effective and there are rarely any “lectures” with trainees just taking notes. Experiential learning is very evident. This is a program that even experienced facilitators would benefit from. We feel confident that we can assign this program an IAF Comprehensive Endorsement as all of the IAF Core Facilitator Competencies are listed, discussed, demonstrated, and taught to the trainees. All trainees also practice the competencies and receive feedback on their performance

IAF Assessors