. A workshop should be more than just a workshop -- it should be an experience. That's why Tom Terez brings variety to all his sessions. Included are meaningful activities, discovery-filled exercises, real workplace examples, practical tools, quick-take assessments, focused dialogue, and more. He steers clear of buzzwords and flavor-of-the-month concepts, focusing instead on what works in the real world.   But there's more. In many of his sessions that last a day or longer, Tom includes the following: Work Product: In a final stage of the workshop, Tom guides participants in turning their new knowledge into a well-developed action plan. The group literally creates and documents its own work product that pulls together specific action ideas for individuals, work units, and the overall organization. This is compiled and circulated to everyone following the workshop.   Individual Commitment: Each person writes down several specific actions they plan to implement over the next two weeks -- based on insights from the session. They fold the sheet, seal it in an envelope, and address it to themselves. These are collected and return-mailed two weeks later, serving as a gentle nudge reminding them of their own commitments.   Photos: Depending on the session and the session objectives, photos are sometimes taken as the workshop unfolds, to capture highlights and record the experience. These are assembled in an album and sent to everyone two weeks later. Other times, a single group photo is taken at the very end of the workshop. A large print is framed and mailed. The photo can be displayed in the workplace to remind everyone of their great day -- and perhaps more important, to remind them of their new ideas, tools, and action commitments.   Follow-Up Contact: Also toward the end of the workshop, Tom has the group identify several ways they'll maintain momentum. He writes these down -- and then sends the action steps in a follow-up e-mail that goes to everyone the day after the session. Additional follow-up e-mails are sent two months later, six months later, and a year later -- to touch base, revisit key insights and commitments, and provide any additional input that will inform and inspire. (The exact timetable for these follow-up e-mails is determined in conversations with the client contact.)   Music: Good music can go a long way as people are arriving and when they're taking breaks. Music adds a measure of informality while setting a positive mood. It's not appropriate for all workshops, to be sure -- but when it is, it makes a difference.   Takeaways: Tom has given participants all sorts of things: light bulbs, lemonade mix, books, CDs, gift cards, and more. They're given at the end, and the specific item is chosen to reinforce a key point from the session. For example, if the workshop includes a virtual visit to Edison's invention factory, each participant might leave with light bulb. Call 614-488-9721, or write to contact@TomTerez.com, or use the online contact form. Home | In-House Training and Workshops | The Workshop Experience | Facilitation Services | Conference Keynotes | About Tom Terez Workplace Solutions | Clients and Testimonials | Ideas and Resources | Contact | Find Us on Facebook | Road Trip | Subscribe to the e-Newsletter Visit our other sites:..BetterWorkplaceNow.com and BuildaBetterWorkplace.com (blog) Copyright 2000-2010 Tom Terez Workplace Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. P.O. Box 21444, Columbus, Ohio USA 43221-0444. Tel. 614-488-9721. Online Contact Form