This document provides a moderator guide for a panel discussion on leadership development skills. It outlines an agenda for a 1.5-2 hour discussion via Microsoft Teams with 3-5 panelists. The moderator will facilitate the discussion and use polling tools to engage the audience. The discussion will include introductions of panelists, predetermined questions for panelists on topics like decision-making and motivation, interactive polling questions for the audience every 15-20 minutes, a question-and-answer section, and closing remarks from each panelist.

1. Excel as Leader Forum – Pilot Project
Panel Discussion Moderator Guide
Date: __________________ Moderator: ____________________________
Overview
Topic: Leadership Development Skills - Coaching
Audience: [TBD] people leaders via MS Teams
Panel Discussion Details: [include details of the panel discussion to reference]
[Example:
 Panel discussion will be 1.5 - 2 hrs in length
 The number of panelists will be 3-5 people
 The moderator will facilitate the discussion, not lead it
 Panel members will be w/moderator for ease of presentation
 Ensure questions are rotated around panelists for a variety of responses
 A second member of the team will work on the polling/quizzes during the discussion
 Entire discussion will be recorded via MS Teams for future reference]
Introduction/Opening
Goal of the session – to audience and panelists
 The moderator should introduce the topic in a focused and concise way, designed to
grab the audience's attention.
 (Optional) Kickoff by senior leader
 Have candid conversations
Administrative remarks – to the audience
 MS Teams etiquette
 Use of chat for questions/comments
 Explain use of Slido in Microsoft Teams or separately via browser to allow audience to
submit and upvote questions, vote in polls, or participate in surveys and quizzes

2. Open with a warm-up poll (https://blog.sli.do/30-icebreaker-questions-audience-live-polling/)
 Ask the audience to cast their votes, and once you get enough inputs, invite the
panelists to comment on the results (or answer the question). It’s engaging and starts
up a dialogue between the speakers and the audience.
[Example: Do you multitask when attending a meeting online? (Multiple choice)]
Introduction of panel members:
 Name, business unit, random fact
 Moderator explains to panelists how the discussion will go
o Round robin – predetermined questions sent in advance via email to panelists
o Keep responses to 2-3 minutes

3. o Periodic pauses for audience interaction via polling w/visible results
 Opportunity to comment on polling questions and/or results
Discussion
Questions for Panelists:
For the panel discussions questions would be focused on the leadership skills to be discussed
and the people leaders experience/expertise.
[Ex. A few questions to ask high performing people leaders:
1. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
2. What is one decision you wish you had not made?
3. How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
4. What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?
5. What one thing makes you most proud?
6. What is the most important risk you took and why?
7. How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
8. How do you align your department with the vision and mission of Nationwide?
9. How do you generate great ideas in your department?
Interactive questions for audience:
 Recommended every 15-20 minutes (topic should relate to concepts being addressed by
the panel
o Can be used to lead to new discussion points
o May include presubmitted questions or topics from discussion boards
 Use Slido to keep the audience engaged and give the panelist the ability to connect with
the team

4. Question-and-Answer Section:
 Once complete with scripted portion of the discussion then move into the interactive
component in the form of a question-and-answer section.
o Ensure all microphones are muted prior to starting
o Ask attendees to raise their hand (in MS Teams) or use Yammer for Q&A
 Moderator w/help will read out questions for panel members
o Remind all audience members to refrain from making remarks that are too
lengthy.
 Moderator ensures there is time remaining for panelist closing comments

5. Panelist Closing Remarks:
 After the last questions, each panelist should be given the opportunity to provide
closing remarks.
o This gives the panelists the opportunity to highlight what they see to be the key
elements of the discussion and their perspective on them.
o Moderator limit panelist to 2-3 minutes (depending on time remaining)
Thank the Panelists
 The final item on the panel discussion agenda is thanking the panelists individually.
 The moderator should acknowledge all members of the panel and express gratitude for
their participation and reinforce the productivity of the discussion.
 The moderator may wish to turn it over to senior leadership for closing comments