SPIN Roundtable schedule

Requested roundtable topics

Boston SPIN Roundtable Volunteers Needed

OVERVIEW:

Each Boston SPIN meeting begins with one or more roundtable discussions that facilitate an open exchange of information among members. The discussions literally take place around a table, typically with 10 to 15 people. More or less people are fine as well.

Up to two roundtables take place concurrently before a SPIN meeting. The "Needs and Leads" roundtable is an ad hoc discussion session meant for networking about companies and seeking opinions regarding problems participants share. There is no facilitator for this roundtable. The other roundtable discussion is on a planned topic led by a facilitator and announced in the monthly SPIN meeting invitation. Both roundtable formats are excellent forums for developing new professional contacts.

Volunteers needed! >> View roundtable facilitator guidelines.

(All are welcome to attend any scheduled Roundtable, no reservation needed. Just arrive by 6:00 pm.)

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Basic Guidelines for Roundtables:

• Please try to begin between 6:10 and 6:15 P.M. The scope must be limited to what can be discussed in 45-50 minutes.

• The facilitator does not need to be a "subject matter expert".

• It is a good idea to ask participants to introduce themselves at the beginning. (People may trickle in after the start time; encourage them to join the discussion.)

• Some facilitators begin with a short presentation. Others work from an outline or run an interactive exercise.

• Many facilitators bring a few hand-outs of reference material for the participants.

• Encourage participants to ask questions and to share their own experiences.

• Capture the ideas discussed (a flip chart is provided). The facilitator can assign someone at the roundtable to take notes capturing the main ideas discussed. Facilitators are requested to provide a written synopsis of 250 words or less for within the week following the roundtable for publication in the SPIN Newsletter. For examples see http://www.boston-spin.org/newsletter.html

• Participants are asked to complete evaluation forms at the end of the discussion.

• Please wrap up the roundtable a little before 7 P.M. to allow participants to get settled for the speaker.

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Facilitator Guidelines:

The facilitator's role is to maximize participation and ensure that discussion is kept on topic. This is not meant to be a monologue or a presentation, but an open discussion. It must not be a sales or marketing presentation. The facilitator should initiate the discussion with a brief introduction to the topic. This introduction may include a small write-up (1 page or less). The facilitator should then ask the participants if they have any questions or if they would like to discuss their own experiences with how the topic applies to them and why.

1. Bring ideas to the roundtable to start the discussion/brainstorming.

2. Encourage everyone to speak - everyone has a right to speak, not just the vocal people.

3. Allow participants time to think before they participate.

4. Focus the discussion on the topic:
        >  Draw ideas out: "Is this what you mean?"
        >  Help people continue the current specific discussion, not sidebar discussions.
        >  Build on ideas brought forward if possible.

5. Pay attention to the person speaking.

6. Control the discussion so that unrelated topics are not introduced during the Roundtable; provide a time for a later discussion on the subject if the party so wishes.

Participant Guidelines:

1. Present your own ideas on the subject.

2. Speak up so everyone can hear.

3. Be open to the ideas of others.

4. Active participation enhances learning opportunities for everyone.

5. Make comments specific, real, focused.

6. Comments or ideas will not be attributed to a specific person when notes are written up.

7. You have the option to pass.

Consensus Guidelines:

Consensus is something you can live with, not necessarily something you like.

• Thumbs up: I agree

• Thumbs sideways: I can live with it

• Thumbs down: I cannot live with it. Obliges person to discuss what they can't live with.

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Facilitation books you may enjoy:

Sam Kaner et al, Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, 1996.

Stanfield, Brian R., ed., The Art of Focused Conversation, 100 Ways to Access Group Wisdom in the Workplace, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, 2000.

Online resources:

http://www.serviceleader.org/vv/vhosts.html

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/citizenship/DH7437.html

Practical information about attending SPIN roundtables:

For directions to SPIN meetings at MITRE see: http://www.boston-spin.org/directions.html.

Note: Because of security concerns, please bring a picture ID. It is best to leave all bags, backpacks, and briefcases in your car. Any items you do bring with you will be opened and inspected by building security when you arrive.

The earliest arrival time is 5:45 P.M.

In case the roundtable chairperson isn’t there when you arrive, the SPIN reception area is just beyond the security desk. We usually have name tags out for attendees and refreshments. The round tables will be set up in the atrium area, with flip charts that are labeled for each roundtable discussion. The MITRE liaison should be available to help you get situated. The current MITRE Liaison is Sam Cardman.
 

Requested Topics: Facilitators are needed for roundtables on the following topics requested by SPIN members. If you have experience to share on one of these or another topic please contact the roundtable chair

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What does the Facilitator gain from the experience?

• Recognition by your company
• Praise from the Steering Committee
• Increased leadership skills (good for your company and your resume)
• Confidence in public speaking, in a supportive environment
• Appreciation from Roundtable participants
• Satisfaction for making a difference because you made a Roundtable happen.

What do Roundtable participants gain?

• Insights on software process improvement from people of many different backgrounds
• Knowledge shared by more experienced participants
• Pointers on techniques and methodologies
• Practical solutions to real life problems
• Networking with peers
• References to helpful materials
• Satisfaction from sharing their knowledge.

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