open · Strategy · 120 min · 4-40 people · medium energy

Purpose-To-Practice (P2P)

Purpose-To-Practice (P2P) is a structured method for collaboratively designing the essential elements of a new initiative, ensuring alignment and shared ownership from the outset. By engaging stakeholders in shaping the purpose, principles, participants, structure, and practices, P2P fosters resilience and adaptability.

When to use Purpose-To-Practice (P2P)

Use P2P at the beginning of a new project or initiative to involve stakeholders in defining its core elements, promoting buy-in and a shared understanding of how to achieve success.

What it solves

Lack of shared vision or buy-in at the start of a project; fragmented or uncoordinated efforts; difficulty adapting to changing circumstances.

How to run Purpose-To-Practice (P2P), step by step

  1. Introduce P2P and its five elements (purpose, principles, participants, structure, practices). Distribute worksheets. (5 min)
  2. Focus on 'Purpose': Ask 'Why is this work important to you and the larger community?' Use 1-2-4 to generate individual ideas and stories. (10 min)
  3. In groups of four, compare, sift, and amplify the top ideas for 'Purpose'. (10 min)
  4. As a whole group, integrate themes and finalize ideas for 'Purpose'. (10 min)
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining elements (Principles, Participants, Structure, Practices), adapting the guiding question for each. (60 min)
  6. After each element, ask, 'Has this element shed new light that suggests revisions to previous elements?' Allow for iteration. (5 min)
  7. Use What, So What, Now What? to make sense of possible next steps and prioritize them as a whole group. (15 min)
  8. After launch, revisit the P2P design periodically to adapt elements based on experience.

Materials needed

  • Chairs and small tables for groups of 4
  • Large wall with poster paper
  • Worksheets (one for each element per participant)
  • Markers

Facilitator tips

  • Crafting a powerful and attractive 'purpose' is crucial; consider using Nine Whys or Appreciative Interviews to deepen the conversation.
  • Structure is often the element that requires the most imagination; use metaphors and visual representations to encourage creative designs.

Common pitfalls

  • Failing to create a compelling purpose can lead to a weak foundation; dedicate sufficient time and effort to this step.
  • Getting bogged down in details can slow the process; emphasize quick cycles and iterative refinement.

Variations

  • Start with a rapid 30-minute cycle covering all five elements to illustrate the need for a strong purpose.
  • Focus on only one or two design elements that seem most important for smaller projects.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard for collaborative idea generation and synthesis. Facilitate 1-2-4-All using breakout rooms and chat features.

What it produces

A documented agreement on the initiative's purpose, principles, participants, structure, and practices.

Origin

Liberating Structure developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. Inspired by Dee Hock. — source

Build a session around Purpose-To-Practice (P2P)

METODIC places Purpose-To-Practice (P2P) inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Purpose-To-Practice (P2P) · Try METODIC free