Action Plan Workshop: The Arrow

When to use Action Plan Workshop: The Arrow

Use this method when a team or individual needs to translate a broad vision into concrete, achievable steps, especially when facing ambiguity or feeling overwhelmed.

What it solves

Lack of clear direction and actionable steps towards achieving a goal; feeling stuck or unsure how to proceed.

How to run Action Plan Workshop: The Arrow, step by step

1. (5 min) Introduce the session's goal: to create a tangible action plan. Explain the 'Arrow' model and its purpose.
2. (10 min) Individual Visualization: Guide participants to close their eyes and visualize their life in the future (1 year, 3 years, etc.). Prompt them with questions about their achievements, environment, and daily life.
3. (5 min) Draw the Vision: Have participants draw their vision on the 'Arrow' at point 1 to make it tangible.
4. (20 min) Paired Interviews: In pairs, one person interviews the other, focusing on key factors that supported the vision (point 2) and hindering factors (point 3). The interviewer writes these on post-its and places them on the arrow.
5. (15 min) Problem Solving: The interviewer asks about solutions to overcome the hindering factors, writing these on post-its and attaching them to the corresponding problems.
6. (5 min) Current Steps: Identify and document steps already taken towards the vision (point 4).
7. (Variable) Switch Roles: Partners switch roles and repeat the process.
8. (10 min) Check-out: Each participant shares one next action they will take towards their vision.

Materials needed

• Flip chart or large paper
• Markers
• Post-it notes
• Timer

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to be specific and realistic when identifying supporting and hindering factors.
• Remind participants that the time horizon can be adjusted to fit the context (e.g., 3 months, 1 year, 5 years).

Common pitfalls

• Participants struggle to visualize their future: Provide more specific prompts and examples.
• Participants focus on the negative: Remind them to also identify solutions and positive steps.

Variations

• Run the workshop with the entire group brainstorming supporting and hindering factors collectively.
• Use different time horizons for the visioning exercise (e.g., 3 months, 5 years).

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms in Zoom or similar platforms for paired work. Utilize online whiteboards like Miro or shared Google Docs for visual collaboration.

What it produces

A visual "arrow" diagram filled with post-it notes representing the vision, supporting factors, hindering factors, solutions, and current steps.

Origin

Adapted from Hyper Island — source

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