Remote Focused

What? So What? Now What?

This exercise uses a structured reflection model. It guides your team from describing an experience to interpreting its significance, then planning future actions. It promotes critical reflection, ensuring learning translates into concrete next steps.

Duration
40 mins
Group Size
3-15
Category
Remote Focused
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Facilitate deep reflection on a shared experience (like a workshop). Help the team understand what happened and why it matters. Generate clear, actionable outcomes based on the team's learning.

Outcomes

A completed "What? So What? Now What?" analysis. A team that has moved from observation to action. Clear, defined next steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Set up a board with three columns labeled "What?", "So What?", and "Now What?". 2. What?: Start with the facts. Participants list objective observations about what happened during the workshop. 3. So What?: Move to interpretation. Discuss the importance or significance of the facts. What patterns or conclusions emerge? What did we learn? 4. Now What?: Decide on future actions. Based on the interpretation, what should happen next? What actions will we take?

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Facilitator Tips

Guide the team sequentially through the stages. Don't jump to "Now What?" too soon. Thoroughly explore "What?" and "So What?" first. This helps move from concrete observation to abstract meaning and practical application.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Online whiteboarding tool with a 3-column template.

  • Virtual sticky notes.

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Resources & Templates

  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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