diverge · Knowledge Sharing, Innovation, Networking · 60–90 min · 7-49 people · medium energy
Shift & Share
Shift & Share is a method for quickly disseminating innovations or useful programs within a group by having individuals present concise descriptions at stations to small, rotating groups. This fosters informal connections, reveals hidden contributions, and sparks collaboration.
When to use Shift & Share
Use Shift & Share when you need to rapidly expose participants to a variety of ideas or innovations, especially when you want to break down silos and encourage cross-pollination of knowledge within a large group or organization.
What it solves
Lack of awareness of internal innovations; information overload from traditional presentations; limited networking opportunities.
How to run Shift & Share, step by step
- Invite 3-7 presenters to share their innovations at individual stations. (5 min)
- Divide the remaining participants into the same number of small groups as there are presenters. (5 min)
- Assign each group to a different station to start. (2 min)
- Each small group spends 10 minutes at a station listening to the presentation and 2 minutes asking questions or providing feedback. (12 min)
- Groups rotate to the next station. (1 min)
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 until each group has visited all stations. (60-90 min total)
Materials needed
- Large space for stations
- Chairs for small groups
- Timer
- Bell or sound to signal shifts
- Optional: Presentation materials for presenters
Facilitator tips
- Encourage presenters to focus on storytelling and practical examples.
- Strictly enforce the time limits to ensure everyone gets a chance to present and participate.
- Consider providing presenters with a template or guidelines for their 10-minute presentations.
Common pitfalls
- Presenters exceeding the time limit. Use a clear signal and enforce the time strictly.
- Groups not engaging in meaningful questions or feedback. Encourage active listening and prepare some prompting questions.
- Stations being too close together, causing noise interference. Ensure adequate spacing between stations.
Variations
- Use 'What, So What, Now What?' for debriefing after each station.
- Shorten presentation time to 8 minutes.
- Allow individuals to freely move between stations instead of forming fixed groups (Open Space style).
- Add snacks and drinks at each station.
Running it online or hybrid
Use breakout rooms for stations. Ensure smooth transitions between rooms with clear timing and instructions. Digital whiteboards can replace physical displays.
What it produces
Shared understanding of innovations, informal connections between participants, potential mash-ups of ideas.
Origin
Liberating Structure developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. Inspired by Chris McCarthy and the Innovation Learning Network. — source
Build a session around Shift & Share
METODIC places Shift & Share inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.