Liberating structures: impromptu networking
What is impromptu networking and what is made possible?
Impromptu networking is another kind of liberating structure, which is very beneficial for the agile community. It can be used to grasp the attention of a group of people on a particular problem so that they can solve it. It helps in problem-solving. People tend to lose their focus on things, which is why they can solve a particular problem, however with the help of impromptu networking you will be asking questions in 20 minutes to address a specific problem. You will make sure that everyone is attentive and you all will work together to figure out how to solve the problem.
How is it done?
First of all, you will invite the audience into the discussion by asking them questions related to their main aim to be a part of this group. Make sure that the participants are allowed to sit in an open space without any obstruction. Everyone should be given an equal opportunity and time to speak. You can either make pairs by yourself or allow them to form their own group with strangers or people they know. Three rounds are held in each round every person is given 2 minutes to answer the questions.
What is its purpose?
The purpose of liberating structures is to make sure that everyone engages in solving the problem by answering thee question. It will also help shy people to be a bit more confident. Sometimes little suggestions can make a significant change.
Tips and Traps
Here are some of the tips and traps that may help you.
- Ask one challenge question.
- Ask one give and take question.
- Ask engaging questions from the participants.
- Before you being a meeting you can use impromptu networking.
- You can use bells to enter the other round.
- Ask open-ended questions.
Examples
You can take help from this kind of liberating structure in the following circumstances:
- To make a deeper connection with the class, the professors tend to ask questions like, “Why do you want to attend this class?” or “What do you think you will learn from this class?”.
- People can use impromptu networking to start a cross-functional or interdisciplinary learning session such as with judges and lawyers.
— Slimane Zouggari