Workshops as Catalyst for Transformation

Last month, I had the chance to facilitate four workshops at my current company LOJEL, covering topics like sustainability, customer retention, web design, and A/B testing. Through the process—both in preparing for and reflecting on these sessions—I realized the power of how workshops can serve as a tool to bring multiple teams together. If you’re planning a workshop for your team, here are a few takeaways that might help.

Alone and Together
One of the most effective aspects of these workshops was the structure of the exercises. Participants started by working independently, jotting down their thoughts, ideas, and challenges on sticky notes. After the individual work session, we then move into group discussions. This approach ensured that everyone had a chance to contribute while also striking a balance between solo thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Warm-Up Exercises are key
Shifting from a standard work meeting to an workshop isn’t always easy. People come in with their usual mindsets, so breaking that pattern is key. That’s where warm-ups come in. Activities like the 30 Circles Challenge or a quick round of Bingo helped participants loosen up and get into a more creative, open headspace. It’s amazing how a little fun can set the tone for smoother, more engaging collaboration.

Flipping the Script with Reverse Brainstorming
Sometimes, the best way to find a solution is to start by imagining the opposite. During our customer retention workshop, we tried something called reverse brainstorming. Instead of asking, How can we improve customer retention? we flipped the question: How might we design the post-purchase journey so that customers never buy from us again?

At first, it felt counterintuitive, but it worked. Participants came up with all sorts of ways to create a terrible customer experience. When we reversed those ideas, we uncovered some genuinely innovative strategies to boost retention. Sometimes, you need to look at a problem from a completely different angle to find the answers.

Ideas Are Just the Beginning—Execution Is Everything
Coming up with ideas in a two-hour workshop is the easy part. The real challenge is turning those ideas into action. Without a clear follow-up process, even the best workshop can end up feeling like a wasted opportunity. That’s why it’s crucial to document insights and share them with stakeholders to keep everyone aligned. Tools like the WHO-WHAT-WHEN matrix can help break down ideas into actionable steps, and assigning owners for each task ensures accountability.

Workshops as a Catalyst for Transformation
At their best, workshops are more than just meetings. They’re spaces where collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving come alive. But the true measure of success isn’t what happens in the room—it’s what happens afterward. The real magic lies in translating those discussions into meaningful action. And that’s where the hard work begins.

If you’re thinking about running a workshop for your team, keep these lessons in mind. With the right structure, a little creativity, and a solid plan for follow-through, you can turn a simple session into a catalyst for real change.