How to Conduct an Alignment Workshop?

When?

The alignment workshop is usually conducted before gathering the requirements and after project planning.

Getting Started

For successful running of a project, it is important that the key stakeholders have a common understanding about it. To have all the stakeholders aligned on the details of a project in order to achieve the common goal, an alignment workshop is the key.

This workshop is conducted before starting a project.

Why?

• To help team members or stakeholders get on the same page about the goals and priorities

• To build trust and relationships among the team members

• To improve communication and share important information effectively and efficiently

• To facilitate collaborative decision making, which can be useful when there are different perspectives 

• To establish clear roles and responsibilities, as well as shared understanding of what success looks like

How-to?

Here are some general steps that could be followed in an alignment workshop:

1. Define the purpose and goal: Identify the key challenges the team is facing and determine the objectives that need to be accomplished.

2. Invite the right people: Ensure that all relevant stakeholders are invited to the workshop.

3. Prepare the materials: Prepare the presentation slides, handouts, or any other supporting documents.

4. Conduct the workshop: Make sure that everyone is involved and has an opportunity to express their opinions. Encourage participation and ensure that the conversation stays on track.

5. Develop a plan of action: After completing the discussion, outline the steps to be taken to achieve the project goals. Assign responsibilities and timelines for each action item.

6. Follow-up and evaluation: Ensure that the plan of action is being implemented. Evaluate the results and impact it had on the team and their work.

Overall, the key to a successful alignment workshop is communication and collaboration. By involving all stakeholders in the discussion and developing a clear plan of action, teams can ensure that they are working towards a common goal and achieving success together.

Do’s & Don'ts

 

Do’s	Don’ts
1. Prepare and have information for discussion in place. 2.  List out points that need agreement. 3. Use icebreakers to help people open up. 4. Ensure active participation from everyone. 5. Consider all participants’ expectations. 6. Be aware of the risks and delays while planning.	1. Don’t start without a clear agenda. 2. Don’t rush to conclude. 3. Don’t conclude without considering all available data. 4. Don’t leave decisions for later. 5. Don’t delay in sharing the conclusions.

 

 

Templates 

• Team Alignment Canvas from MasterFacilitator (https://masterfacilitator.com/canvas-collection-iii-a-list-of-visual-templates/teamalignmentcanvas/)

• Team Alignment Template from Miroverse (https://miro.com/miroverse/team-alignment/)

• Team Alignment Workshop Template from Mural (https://www.mural.co/templates/team-alignment-workshop)

Suggested Tools 

For In-person Workshop

• Whiteboard, markers

• Post-its

For Remote Workshop

• Jamboard

• Mindnode

For Sharing Notes

• GoogleDocs

• GoogleSlides

• Office 365

References 

• Get your team on the same page from Team Canvas <http://theteamcanvas.com/> 

• Team Canvas Session from Session Lab <https://www.sessionlab.com/methods/team-canvas-session> 

• Experience Canvas from Atlassian <https://www.atlassian.com/team-playbook/plays/experience-canvas>

• How might we inspire the product team to better align with design decisions? from Zemoga <https://www.zemoga.com/insights/blog/the-alignment-workshop/> 

Other Related Best Practices

• How to create a Research Plan

• How to create a Persona

• Basics of User Research