Module Three
Strategic Thinking & Planning


What will you learn?

This Module is about facilitating movement from initial uncertainty to clear purpose and commitment. It will help you to:
  • Apply an action-oriented and results-oriented methodology for thinking and planning strategically.
  • Understand the different thinking, energy and information needed in each stage of the process.
  • Apply and practice these methods in every day work environments.
This module covers ToP tools for engaging the group as a whole through each stage of a journey through:
  • Practical Vision: claiming clear, tangible achievements.
  • Underlying Realities: through ‘here we are’ to windows of opportunity and ‘releasing the future’.
  • Strategic Directions: providing direction and ‘this is a way forward’.
  • Action Planning: breaking loose imagination, resulting in practical steps, momentum and ownership.
At the completion of the Module, participants will have:
  • Further skills in designing and preparing processes for a sequence of group sessions.
  • A deeper appreciation of how to connect to and respond to the group.
  • Concrete proposals to apply and practice what they have learned in real-life roles and work environments.
  • A comprehensive set of course notes and worked examples.
  • Access to follow-up coaching and mentoring from experienced facilitators.
  • A certificate of attendance.

Enrol in the module

In a nutshell

Facilitation is a key approach to ensuring meaningful conversations occur amongst groups of people with different perspectives.

This Module (ToPFL803A) will help you to:
  • Develop a deeper understanding of facilitation methods and dynamics to deal effectively with diverse situations.
  • Use variations of ToP and other methods to design effective, robust programs that engage people in all stages of the facilitation process.
These ToP methods are:
  • Useful tools in facilitating group thinking, planning, problem solving and decision making.
  • Effective for engaging stakeholders in scope definition, change or risk management and project evaluation or closure.
  • Adaptable and relevant to a wide range of settings across government, industry and community sectors.

Training delivery

Interactive delivery is by highly experienced facilitators who are active in corporate, government and not-for-profit settings, and who have demonstrated skills in adult education and learning support.

Each method is demonstrated and the underlying structure examined to deepen understanding. Participants have the opportunity for hands-on practice and explore opportunities for application and further development of these methods in their everyday work environment.

This format builds competence and confidence in continuing use and development, and deepens understanding of the vital role of facilitative approaches in leading change.