LS – W³

What is meant by it?

W³ is a liberating structure that can help individuals in understanding a situation in a better way by hearing other people talk about their related experiences. They will put forward their insights and then come up with a mutual decision.

How is it done?

W³ can be carried out by first sharing an experience with someone. The other person will ask questions such as ‘What happened?’, ‘So, what?’ And ‘Now what.’ It will help in understanding the situation in a better way. An unlimited number of groups can participate, and chairs will be given to everyone. A paper and a flipchart will be given to each participant as they will have equal opportunity to participate. The instructor will have to describe how this liberating structure will take place and then one person will share an experience with the other participants. There will be three stages, and in each stage, the listeners will note down the facts, observations, and patterns and then they will share their insights with each other.

What is its purpose?

W³ will help you in understanding other things from other people’s perspectives. It will make you in being able to generate ideas from shared experiences, and you will have to try avoiding arguments. Gather all the data and observations before getting into the discussion. It will also help you in understanding complex problems.

What are its Tips and Traps?

Make sure to keep practicing and answer each question to clear the ambiguities of other members of the meetings. Try to share examples with the individuals to make them understand what you are trying to explain. Appreciate whatever feedback you get from the rest of the members.

Examples – Where can it be used?

W³ is an agile way of understanding things, and it can be used in the following circumstances:

  • To understand the meaning behind different events.
  • To discuss a topic and solve complex problems.
  • During meetings where people have strong opinions.
  • For groups who can’t relate with people of different backgrounds.
  • In the end of the meetings.
  • For providing feedbacks.

— Slimane Zouggari