What is the Crystal Process?
In essence it is a blend of three elements, and as with all blends the secret is in the mix!
- A platform of networked laptops loaded with a groupware that enables the group to work in a collaborative, creative and safe environment. This is supported by a dedicated ‘technographer’ who ensures that the hardware functions smoothly and that the software can be driven and adapted as required.
- A bespoke facilitation process that is designed specially to meet the needs of the group. This is supported by at least one highly experienced facilitator.
- The people who are brought together to resolve the problem
What does that mean to me?
- You can literally achieve a much more creative, appropriate solution in half the time
- Once the session is finished your team can leave with a complete record of the session. This can be available in:-
- Hard copy
- Electronic format, either a floppy or posted to the intra or internet
- This means that momentum is not lost and work on the project can continue
- Once the team is familiar with the way of working, members can attend over the internet
- Large numbers can be accommodate simultaneously up to 50 (and more if required)
- This is one of the few ways you can ensure that you have reached true consensus as it promotes honest expression as all input in anonymous.
- Issues are depoliticised
- Ideas go forward based on merit not personality or power
How does it work?
- The facilitator and the problem sponsor meet and agree before the session:-
- How it will be run
- Outputs required
- Who needs to attend
- The technology is delivered to whatever location you have selected and set-up and run by the technographer. The laptops are sub A4 sized and very unobtrusive
- The facilitator gently guides the team through the process which enables them to:-
- Process their ideas in parallel (simultaneously and anonymously.)
- Build on each others ideas
- Vote and rank ideas
- Analyse and understand the data
- Focus only on the areas that are in dispute (having identified both the things every one agrees on and those that are of no interest)
- Plans actions and next steps
How can it be used?
- For project teams
- To help set or review strategies
- As a break-out session aid in big conferences
- Foe experiential learning
- Strategy setting or review
- Understanding Knowledge Management, e-Business or WAP
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
- Electronic Conferences
- Process Improvement
- Business Partnering
- Focus Groups
- Market Planning
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