In facilitation, one of the key challenges is helping people move from complexity to clarity. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on a simple but powerful metaphor: an axis running across the page labelled Comprehension. This line represents the spectrum of approaches used in facilitation, ranging from open-ended creativity to structured clarity.
On the far left of the line, we find tools that encourage freeform creativity and exploration. Perhaps methods like LEGO Serious Play (LSP) excel here, using tactile and open-ended elements to unlock imagination and unearth ideas that might otherwise remain hidden. These approaches thrive on ambiguity, giving participants freedom to create their own meaning.
As we move along the line to the right, facilitation methods become increasingly structured, offering frameworks and labels that reduce ambiguity. At the far right, tools like BIG PICTURE® provide a clearly defined structure. By using Symbols that represent key organisational elements—such as Team, Technology, and Measure—BIG PICTURE creates a shared language from the outset. This structure reduces the cognitive load during synthesis, allowing participants to focus on deeper insights and connections.
BIG PICTURE occupies the structured end of the spectrum because it’s designed to help teams make sense of complexity quickly and collaboratively. While more open-ended methods can generate rich ideas, they often require significant effort to organise and interpret. BIG PICTURE starts with clarity, making it easier to navigate complex challenges and align around actionable outcomes.
"The easiest way to find what someone's business is about in the shortest amount of time. I used to ask people to do an elevator pitch in less than 2 minutes. Once they had done that I'd ask them to get it below a minute. Then 30 seconds. Then 15. That process might take over an hour. BIG PICTURE could achieve a better result in about half the time."
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This is especially valuable when working on large-scale organisational challenges, like strategy development or change management, where alignment and shared understanding are critical. The structured nature of BIG PICTURE ensures that no one gets lost in the process, creating a space where every voice is heard and meaning is co-created.
One key insight I’ve taken from conversations with peers is the importance of recognising that not all facilitation methods work for everyone. While tools like LEGO Serious Play can lower barriers for some participants, others may find them intimidating or abstract. Conversely, structured methods like BIG PICTURE may feel more accessible to those who prefer a clear starting point.
Understanding these dynamics is vital for creating facilitation experiences that are truly inclusive. By choosing the right method—or a blend of methods—facilitators can better meet the needs of diverse groups, ensuring that creativity and clarity go hand in hand.
