A Good Workshop Leader

1. Redefines the workshop topic

2. Keeps in mind what he/she wants participants to know or be able to do after the workshop (has objectives)

3. Is prepared to check out and modify his/her expectations with those expectations participants bring to the experience.

4. Arrives early to set up the room and equipment. Greets participants.

5. Plans ways for the group to discover things about each other that can contribute to interactions during and following the workshop.

6. Assumes that most of the people present have something to contribute.

7. Understands the power of waiting for the group to respond. (Many works leaders keep talking when no one speaks up right away, many of them never stop).

8. Is flexible in structuring activities, adapting to individuals and situations as needed.

9. Plans transitions between activities.

10. Does not force people to participate. Never calls on anyone who does not seem to want to respond.

11. Welcomes questions; does not get defensive.

12. Has techniques for involving large and small groups meaningfully.

13. Knows several techniques for breaking people into small groups.

14. Provides follow-up suggestions and possible next steps; encourages participants to reflect on the experience and verbalize any learnings.

15. Models behaviors expected of participants (i.e., listening in a non-judgmental way)

16. Asks for feedbacks.

National Staff Development Council

P.O Box, Oxford, OH 45056