any · Meeting Management · 2–5 min · 2-40 people · low energy
Parking Space
The Parking Space technique provides a designated area to capture off-topic or tangential discussions that arise during a meeting. This prevents derailing the main agenda while acknowledging important but unrelated points.
When to use Parking Space
Use when discussions veer off-topic or when important but irrelevant issues arise that need to be addressed later.
What it solves
Meetings being derailed by tangents, important issues being forgotten, frustration with off-topic discussions.
How to run Parking Space, step by step
- Designate a physical or digital 'parking space' (e.g., a flipchart, whiteboard, or shared document). (2 minutes)
- When an off-topic issue arises, acknowledge its importance and write it down in the parking space. (1 minute)
- Briefly explain that the issue will be addressed later and redirect the discussion back to the main agenda. (2 minutes)
Materials needed
- Flipchart or digital whiteboard
- Markers or digital pens
Facilitator tips
- Be sure to actually revisit the parking space items at a later time.
- Acknowledge the importance of the issue before parking it.
Common pitfalls
- Forgetting to revisit the parking space items. Schedule time to address them.
- Using the parking space to avoid difficult conversations. Ensure that important issues are addressed.
Variations
- Prioritize the parking space items based on urgency and importance.
- Assign owners to each parking space item to ensure accountability.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a shared document or digital whiteboard to create a 'parking lot' for topics.
What it produces
A list of topics to be addressed at a later time.
Origin
Adapted from The Commons Library — source
Build a session around Parking Space
METODIC places Parking Space inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.