Pre-planning a Project has a number of important benefits, not the least of which are:-

• reviewing the Project Objectives
• anticipating opportunities - and obstacles
• identifying influences on the outcome
• validating authority and timing of Action Plans

Entry Board

Trailer (proposition)

Discuss "wheres" and "whys" of the dots. Remember to record each central statement.

Visualise

Remember, if the Group is not familiar with this process, you will need to explain and practise the rationale and give them the tools to do it. Unless they want to do this, you might not get the motivation you need.

• Do this as a Group, in sub-Groups, or whoever is best for the team you have.
• Celebrate the results and pick out key feelings and important elements of attitude, knowledge and skill.

Card call (double)

This should bring up all internal and external influences, so:-

• Separate internal (this Group) and external
• Prioritise both
• Decide whether to work on immediate issues now and later issues another time or cover key ones from each now:-
• Internal: Sub groups or plenary discussion to develop rules for behaviours, attitudes, meetings, holidays etc. for the group. Start to develop some "group speak"
• External: Sub groups to develop 'Preventers' and contingencies.
  Agree who does what, and an action plan for influencing others before the project if necessary.

NB: This is one time when a full record of the meeting with complete colour photographs is essential - people and Pinboards. It has to start the "team" element and be an event to look back on. It also needs to be an introduction/bridge to anybody joining the Group during the Project.