Weekly Wonder: How to Run Problem-Solving Workshops in Your Company User Group

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Hi CUG Members, today we’ll talk about the art of running effective problem-solving workshops within your Company User Group (CUG).

Whether you’re a seasoned facilitator or just starting out, these tips will help you plan, prepare, and run workshops that spark collaboration and drive real results.

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Why Problem-Solving Workshops?

Company User Groups are all about connecting people within the same company who have shared goals and challenges. Regular problem-solving workshops give your group a focused space to tackle issues together, share expertise, and build a stronger sense of community. Plus, they’re a great way to keep otherwise-routine meetings fresh and engaging!

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1. Planning Your Workshop

Set a Clear Goal:
Start by defining what you want to achieve. Is there a recurring challenge your group faces? A new process to brainstorm? Make sure your goal is specific and relevant to your members.

Build a Simple Agenda:
Outline the flow of your session. A typical agenda might look like:

• Welcome & context (5 min)

• Problem statement (5 min)

• Group discussion/brainstorm (20 min)

• Solution sharing (15 min)

• Action items & wrap-up (5 min)

Pick the Right Time & Tools:
Choose a time that works for most members and decide if you’ll meet in person or virtually. You should also decide what video conferencing and documentation tools your group will use.

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Side note: don’t forget to take advantage of our CUG All-In-One Kit! It’s an invaluable tool for running your group.

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2. Preparing for Success

Share Pre-Work:
Send out the problem statement and any background info ahead of time. This helps everyone come prepared and ready to contribute.

Assign Roles:
Consider having a facilitator (to guide the session), a note-taker (to capture ideas), and a timekeeper (to keep things moving).

Gather Materials:
Prepare any templates, slides, or digital boards you’ll use. If you’re meeting in person, bring sticky notes, markers, and snacks!

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3. Running the Workshop

Set the Stage:
Kick off with a warm welcome and a quick icebreaker. Remind everyone of the goal and agenda.

Facilitate, Don’t Dominate:
Guide the discussion, encourage quieter voices, and keep the group focused. Use techniques like round-robin sharing or silent brainstorming to mix things up.

Capture Ideas Visibly:
Write down ideas where everyone can see them—on a whiteboard, shared doc, or virtual board. This keeps energy high and ensures nothing gets lost.

End with Action:
Summarize key takeaways and assign clear next steps. Who will do what, and by when? Follow up after the session to keep momentum going.

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Quick Tips for Workshop Success

• Keep sessions short and focused - aim for 45-60 minutes.

• Rotate facilitation to build skills across the group.

• Celebrate wins, big or small!

• Ask for feedback to improve future workshops.

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Let’s Hear from You!

Have you run a problem-solving workshop in your CUG? What worked well, or didn’t? Share your tips and stories in the comments below. Let’s keep learning together!