Facilitation · Most structures take 10-60 minutes; strings of structures fill a half-day or multi-day event.

Liberating Structures

A repertoire of more than 30 simple interaction patterns, such as 1-2-4-All, Troika Consulting and 15% Solutions, that replace presentations and open discussion with structured formats where everyone contributes. Each structure is specified by five design elements: invitation, space and materials, distribution of participation, group configuration, and steps and timing.

When to use Liberating Structures

Whenever a few voices tend to dominate, when a group must generate or decide something together, or when a large group needs to be engaged quickly.

How Liberating Structures works

Interactive methods ensure everyone's voice is included through structured participation.

Phases of Liberating Structures

  1. Structuring Invitation: Clearly define the challenge or question you want the group to address; this sets the stage for focused and productive discussions, ensuring everyone is working towards a common goal.
  2. Space Arrangement: Arrange the physical space to encourage interaction and collaboration; this could involve breaking into smaller groups or creating a circle to foster equal participation and openness.
  3. Participation: Ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute their ideas and perspectives; this creates a more inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints are valued and considered.
  4. Groups: Strategically form groups to promote diverse perspectives and focused discussions; this allows for deeper exploration of ideas and more effective problem-solving.
  5. Steps: Follow a clear sequence of steps and time allocations within each structure to guide the conversation and ensure progress; this provides a framework for productive discussions and helps the group stay on track.

Key principles

  • Include and unleash everyone
  • Minimum specifications, maximum freedom
  • Practice deep respect for people and local solutions
  • Build trust as you go
  • Never start without a clear purpose

Best for

  • Meetings and workshops of any size
  • Strategy and change conversations
  • Online and hybrid sessions
  • Teams with dominant voices

Considerations

  • Rapid, tightly timed rounds can feel mechanical if the invitation is weak or the purpose unclear.
  • Facilitators need to practise the structures before relying on them with high-stakes groups.
  • Structures invite distributed input but do not replace a clear decision process afterwards.

Attribution & sources

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, 2014

Primary source

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