8 Models Every Facilitator Should Be Able to Draw Live
Imagine you’re leading a coaching class for leaders on listening and want to share the “levels of listening” model. Sure, you could use yet another slide deck, or you could draw the model live instead.
Drawing a model in the moment increases engagement and comprehention.
What is a model?
A model is a diagram that helps convey a key concept using strategically aligned words and images. Unlike a template, a model is a complete graphic that is not intended to have participant comments laid over it.
When do I use a model?
Models are most often used at the beginning of a facilitated session when reviewing ground rules but could be used strategically throughout a meeting to encourage a specific mindset or prompt thinking in a new way.
What models should I use?
Many facilitators have a few favorite models that they use constantly. I recommend collecting models and starting your own “knowledge repository” of your favorites.
Keep reading for eight models I love and how to draw them.
Levels of Listening
There are many variations of this model, but the one I like the most is the version I learned as part of my training at Co-Active Training Institute.
Need help drawing a straight line? Check out the free Graphic Jam Challenge on Dancing with Markers for tips.
Advocacy Inquiry
Chris Argyris and Don Schön first proposed the Advocacy and Inquiry model to reduce conflict and encourage generative dialogue.
Conflict Styles
There are a couple of commonly used conflict-style models. Most use the Thomas Kilmann model. One that is very similar in concept with slightly different terms is the Kraybill model.
For more on the Kilmann model, download our free Conflict Styles Decision Tree resource.
Tuckman
Form, Storm, Norm, Perform
Based on the work of Bruce Tuckman and Ken Blanchard, the Form, Storm, Norm Perform (and adjourn/mourn) flow is widely used to help understand team development stages.
Check out our blog on “Meeting Teams Where They Are” for a deeper dive into this Model.
Rollercoaster of Change
First adapted from Ralph G. Hirschowitz by Susan Hassinger, the Rollercoaster of Change helps people see how change impacts feelings and reactions. I’ve even seen this used to show how feelings might change over the course of a few days offsite.
Diverge/Converge
Many thought leaders have their own variation on this model, but one of the most widely known is Sam Kaner’s version from The Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision Making. This models helps group’s understand how groups of people work through decisions and helps facilitators think about how to best organize conversations.
Circle of Control
Common in coaching relationships, the circle of control is simply a circle and a prompt to think about what’s within the circle that we can influence and what’s out of the circle that’s beyond our reach. This one may also be used as a template.
Red Dot Conversations
As featured in the book The Primes, the Red Dot model encourages groups to move beyond the usual and available conversations into the “red dot” space.
Struggling with circles? Check out the free Graphic Jam Challenge on Dancing with Markers for tips.
TRY THIS: Build a Models Library (20 mins)
Create a list of models: If you like them, start with the ones in this blog. Then, search and find more content using Google or your favorite research tool/medium.
Design a system: Group your models into specific categories or content areas. For example, you might have models for conflict or others for promoting innovative thinking.
Find a format: I like to create a Google Drive folder for each category and drop-in articles, links, and other resources so I can easily search for them. My colleague Brian Tarallo likes to draw each model and store it in a box. Drawing helps you learn the model as well. Maybe you prefer a spreadsheet, PPT document, MURAL board, or even a journal. Choose what’s right for you to start knowing you can always change it later.
Build a repository: Import your models, starting with just a few. If you have a lot of resources, you might want to build this a little at a time over several days, weeks or months. After grad school, I went through all of my course materials and scanned in my favorite resources. Maybe you’ve taken a class or program and going through your workbooks will help you begin to build a healthy library.
Want to learn more about drawing models live and on the fly? Part 2 of our Introduction to Facilitating with Visual course, hosted by Voltage Control, has an entire module on the topic.
