What? So What? Now What?
What? So What? Now What? is a three-stage reflection sequence that moves a group from describing what happened, through making sense of it, to deciding what to do next. By holding the group at each stage before moving on, you prevent the common problem where people leap from a single observation to a grand plan without pausing to think about what it all means.
✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants
What You'll Achieve with the What? So What? Now What? Workshop
Real outcomes that transform your team
Improved group clarity on shared experiences and observations.
Enhanced understanding of team dynamics and patterns.
Increased commitment to actionable next steps.
When to Use the What? So What? Now What? Workshop
Perfect for these situations and team challenges
Debriefing after a team-building exercise to consolidate learning.
Running a retrospective on a project sprint to identify improvements.
How the What? So What? Now What? Workshop Works
A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process
1Setup
Prepare the environment by writing the three key questions on flip charts and arranging seating for small group discussions.
2Step 1: What?
Participants collect raw facts and observations about a shared experience, first individually and then in small groups, ensuring clarity before interpretation begins.
3Step 2: So What?
The group interprets the observations, identifying patterns and insights from the collected data, moving from mere facts to understanding their implications.
4Step 3: Now What?
Participants decide on concrete actions based on insights gained, specifying who will do what and when, converting reflections into actionable commitments.
Key Topics Covered in the What? So What? Now What? Workshop
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