Some of you have asked me to clarify the difference between a workshop and a meeting. Happy to oblige.
If you want to know if you're in a workshop, ask yourself these questions:
- Is there a clear objective to achieve at the end?
- Is there a clearly structured agenda and is it followed by everyone?
- Is there one person who's in charge of directing what happens and when?
- Are you actively participating with ideas that are taken into account?
- Are you exploring new angles to achieve the objective?
- Does everyone get a chance to speak without being constantly interrupted?
- Does everyone get a somewhat equal timeshare where they get a chance to speak?
- Are there structured activities that clearly drive everyone towards the outcome?
If you answered too many of these questions with "no," you might be in a meeting.
But the ultimate question is:
Do you enjoy being there?
Because if the answer is no, you're in a meeting my friend!