Process
Status Items Output None Questions None Claims None Highlights Done See section below
Highlights
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What’s the magic that makes it specialCategories. It’s a really simple idea but such a game-changer. Roundtable discussions by their nature are meant to encourage spontaneity and minimal facilitation. But this can be an Achilles heel when the conversation wanders too far off course. I’ve said it before in these newsletters: sometimes the best formats are made by those who can see what ‘Just Enough Format’ really is. Too much scaffolding and your format becomes boring and predictable. Too little and your format becomes a messy free for all. The use of categories puts this show right in the sweetspot. Bill Simmons is the king of the ‘Just Enough Format’ category.
✏️ Great idea for any regular roundtable discussion. Use categories to give just enough structure to help people grab on to some basic foundation without straight-jacketing at one extreme or aimlessly wandering at the other. Keeps things grounded but free to roam within reason. Think about this for book clubs, masculinity group, etc.