Abbreviated Consultancy protocol by Alastair Wilson

1. (5 min) Present The presenter gives an overview of the dilemma and offers a focusing question for the group to consider.

2. (2 min) Clarify The group asks clarifying questions of the presenter, which are answered. It’s okay if not all clarifying questions are asked or answered: it’s impossible for participants to fully understand all the details, so trying to do so will not significantly alter the final outcome of this protocol.

3. (2 min) Create Probing questions Instruct the group to take two minutes to silently write probing questions for the presenter These questions are designed to help the presenter clarify and expand their thinking about the dilemma, to gain insights rather than find an immediate solution.

4. (2 min) Ask Group members to read one of their probing questions aloud, and continue around the group.

5. (1 min) Review and Refine The presenter shares which one or two probing questions were the most provocative, the ones that pushed their thinking the most. The presenter does not answer the probing questions nor explain why some were less valuable.

6. (1 min) Refocus Ask the presenter to re-state the focusing question, adapting it if necessary.

For the next step, instruct everyone to imagine the presenter has left the room, to avoid eye contact with the presenter, and to speak of the presenter in the third person. (“They said” rather than “You said.”)

7. (5min) Discuss The group now discusses the dilemma in the context of the focusing question, keeping in mind the most provocative probing questions as stated by the presenter in step 5. As needed, remind participants not to speak directly to the presenter but to speak of them in the third person. Possible questions to frame the discussion.

• _Thinking objectively, as though we were all digital recorders, what did we hear?

• _Thinking analytically, what did we not hear that might be helpful to the discussion?

• _What might the presenter be assuming unconsciously?

• _What issues does this dilemma surface for us?

• _What is our gut reaction to or thoughts around the dilemma?

8. (2-3min) Recommend The group now offers recommendations based on these questions:

• _What might we do or try if faced with a similar dilemma?

• _What suggestions do we have (couched in “I wonders”)?

Stop here for abbreviated process

9. (5 min) Reflect Presenter should share any parts of the Consultancy that were particularly meaningful or helpful to them. If the presenter can identify their next steps around the dilemma, it’s also helpful for the group to hear those.

10. (5min) DebriefBegin with the presenter:

• How did the experience of presenting and listening feel?

• Was the outcome of this protocol different than other attempts to solve the dilemma?

• Do you have a different appreciation of the protocol rules now that you have presented?

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