The Surprising Power of
Liberating Structures
Facilitated by
Astrid Pruitt
This workshop exists in order…
…to develop enough familiarity with 3-4
methods that you can start applying them
right away in routine and imaginative ways to
complex challenges-at-hand.
…to draw attention to the role of different
micro-design elements in shaping our
interactions and encourage more mindful and
inventive use of them
Impromptu Networking
Rapidly share challenges and expectations while
building new connections
What around you demands
transformation?
1-2-4-all
Engage everyone simultaneously in generating
ideas, questions, or suggestions
In pursuit of this transformation,
what obstacles must you
overcome?
Troika Consultations
Get Practical and Imaginative Help from

Colleagues Immediately
Select a challenge or situation that
you would like to get imaginative
help around.
2 min. Client introduces their challenge
1 min. Consultants ask clarifying questions
5 min. Consultants discuss ideas out-loud
1 min. Client shares what was most valuable
Made available through a Creative
Commons Non-Commercial, Attribution,
Share-and-Share Alike License.
You can use ‘em, you can
share ‘em, but you can’t
sell ‘em.
LS DNA
1. An Invitation
2. Arrangement of Space
3. Sequence Steps & Allocation of Time
4. Configuration of Groups
5. Distribution of Participation
Presentation
Managed

Discussion
Status

Update
Brainstorm
Open

Discussion
Conventional Structures
Over Controlled Under Controlled
Presentation
Managed

Discussion
Status

Update
Brainstorm
Open

Discussion
Conventional Structures
For example:
A Presentation
Invitation: Listen to me from start to finish
Space: Presenter at the front and everyone facing them
Time: Set amount of time regardless of topic
Groups: One to many
Participation: 99% speaker and then, “any questions?”
For example:
An Open Discussion
Invitation: Here’s the theme, go wild!
Space: In a big circle
Time: Arbitrary amount allocated to discussion
Groups: One big undivided group
Participation: Whoever can scream or kick the loudest?
For each method we’ve experienced today,
describe the design elements.
1. An Invitation
2. Arrangement of Space
3. Sequence Steps & Allocation of Time
4. Configuration of Groups
5. Distribution of Participation
What did each method make possible?
When could you use it again?
Liberating Structures

Immersion
Liberating Structures Immersion
Save the Date
September 28-29, 2019
9am-5pm
Location
Montreal, Canada
Contact
ap@mgtsavvy.com

The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures - Astrid Pruitt