Preparation - The underrated potential for CoMo workshops

When it comes to Collaborative Modelling (CoMo), simplicity and adaptability are often perceived as defining strengths, but this notion of "just adapting on the fly" can be misleading. Many CoMo methods are deceptively simple, creating false confidence in their effortless adaptability across various scenarios. However, the high level of collaboration and intrinsic motivation required from participants demands meticulous preparation.

This talk will provide valuable insights on how to prepare for collaborative modelling workshops especially when dealing with big groups and/or environments where the goal is hard to pinpoint, politics are involved or resistance to change can be expected. Throughout the talk you will learn how to find a shared understanding of the workshop's goal, what it means to be aware of hidden agendas and group dynamics, and how to make sure all relevant stakeholders are on the same page. The presentation will further cover how to design a fitting storyline across the different formats or methods being used.

Furthermore, the talk will introduce the “CoMo Prep Canvas” - a tool developed in collaboration with Michael Plöd - to guide both new and experienced facilitators through a structured preparation process. You will learn how to use the canvas not only to ask the right questions to important stakeholders but also to make your own assumptions tangible during the preparation.

Transcript

1. Preparation the underrated potential for CoMo workshops
2. Beija Nigl Comsysto Reply | https://www.comsystoreply.de/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/beija-nigl/ Senior Software Engineer, Product Owner & Agile Coach CoMo Workshop Facilitator
4. The USP of COMO Methods
5. CoMo methods are simple 2 3 Sticky notes, a white board and markers No complex meta model or notation They look like fun and bring people together 1
6. Sounds easy right?
7. Everything is setup The room looks great Everyone is present Catering is ready Everyone is smiling Even the coffee is delicious You're in your first workshop…
8. "Might not be the best idea…" What is this all about? "Might not be the best idea…" We've already done that! "Might not be the best idea…" I prefer another method… ” "Might not be the best idea…" Why do we have to do it this way?
9. Who has seen workshops that were perceived as a waste of time? ”
10. Who has seen workshops that "technically worked" but didn't move the system? ”
11. “So where did it all go wrong?”
12. 2 3 Resistance Disengagement Misunderstanding 1 Questioning the workshop, it's goal & methods used, distracting others Not taking part, being distracted or not showing up at all unintended outcomes, unwanted discussions, mismatch in expected outcomes
13. unclear goals undefined expectations
14. hidden agendas competing narratives
15. forcing a change protecting the status quo
16. “Can't we just fix it on the fly?”
17. “Yes you can…” "Might not be the best idea…" “Might not always be the best idea…” “…but it's hard without changing the workshop's goal”
18. The methods may be simple but socio-technical systems aren't You have to prepare
19. Don't mistake preparation for logistics • • • • Suitable room setup Materials Miro Boards Catering …but they are just the ​ icing on the cake Logistics are important…
20. REAL PREPARATION IS COGNITIVE AND SITUATIONAL
21. Preparation in three areas People & Politics Context Clarity Design & Flow
22. Context Clarity Zooming in on the real ‘why’
23. “If people don’t know why they’re in the room, no amount of sticky notes will save you.”
24. Context Clarity Define success by learning, not just deliverables A shared model is only valuable if it changes how we think, not just what we draw Clarify the expected change What should be different after the workshop — in understanding, alignment, or action? Surface-level goal is not equal to real purpose We’re here to ‘model our domain’ — but why now? For what decision? What tension triggered this?
25. Context clarity is about alignment before alignment Ensuring everyone’s mental model of ‘why we’re here’ matches
26. People & Politics Reading the room before entering it
27. “You can’t facilitate the group you wish you had only the one that actually exists”
29. People & Politics Politics is not a bad word Politics: human systems negotiating meaning. Your job is to make these dynamics explicit and safe. Every person carries a story What are their history and hopes? Preparation means empathy, not just invites. Stakeholders != Participants Some of the most influential people may never enter the room - but they shape its energy.
30. Politics is all about motivation & influence What drives people? Who might be scared? Who trusts whom?
31. Design & Flow Crafting the narrative of collaboration
32. “Facilitation is less about managing time and more about managing energy and meaning”
33. Design & Flow Mix methods intentionally Liberating Structures, EventStorming or Wardley Maps aren’t recipes - they’re narrative tools. Design for emotional flow Workshops need rhythm, reflection, closure. People learn through experience, not templates. Choose the right altitude Are we exploring strategy, refining boundaries, or tactical flows? Wrong level = frustration.
34. CoMo isn't just about methods It's about crafting the experience that leads to insight.
35. All set?
36. Where to start? Whom to call? What to ask?
37. The CoMo Prep Canvas
38. https://github.com/ddd-crew/como-prep-canvas The CoMo Prep Canvas on GitHub
39. Newbie Seasoned Facilitator
40. The CoMo Prep Canvas Drafting the workshop Personal Preparation
41. Drafting the Workshop Scoping & Planning and Design
42. Scoping Motivation Definition of Success Initial Ideas on the Workshop Format Pot. Participants Initiator & Beneficiaries
43. Further refinement of the Scoping Canvas Workshop Planning & Design
44. Personal Preparation People & Methods
45. The Participants The Group Symbols of Power Communication Strategy Polarities People
47. You cannot prepare for all of them, but for some Making your observations, assumptions and personal triggers explicit already helps
48. Behavioural Patterns What you see or hear tighed to individuals or the group Thoughts, assumptions, personal risks & biases What you think, feel or assume based on past experiences vs.
50. Symbols of Power Every context has their specific symbols Read the room and leverage them!
51. Polarities Autonomy ↔ Alignment Speed ↔ Quality Control ↔ Trust Equality ↔ Hierarchy Transparency ↔ Privacy
52. Communication Strategy Who needs to know what, when and how?
53. Facilitator Agenda Storyline throughout the workshop Check in & Check out Sense-making exercises Methods
54. Sense-making Exercises
55. “Make sure you still see the forest for the trees.” Preparation should empower, not exhaust Prep What Matters
56. The Canvas isn’t a checklist, it’s a mirror It slows us down just enough to see our assumptions
57. Wrap Up Use tools (like the Canvas) to structure your bias and to raise the right questions Think before you modell Preparation is 80% of the success Prepare on three levels: Context, People, Design Expectation management is key
58. Share your story • • • Use the CoMo Prep Canvas Contribute on GitHub Share your stories
59. Preparation isn’t bureaucracy. It’s empathy, reflection, and clarity made tangible. BEIJA on LinkedIn