MetodicMETODIC | learn
ideation

Shift & Share

Shift & Share is a method for quickly disseminating innovations or useful programs within a group by having individuals present concise descriptions at stations to small, rotating groups. This fosters informal connections, reveals hidden contributions, and sparks collaboration.

60-90 min7-49 peopleHard
When to Use

Use Shift & Share when you need to rapidly expose participants to a variety of ideas or innovations, especially when you want to break down silos and encourage cross-pollination of knowledge within a large group or organization.

How It Works

Solves: Lack of awareness of internal innovations; information overload from traditional presentations; limited networking opportunities.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to facilitate this method
  1. 1

    Step 1: Invite 3-7 presenters to share their innovations at individual stations. (5 min)

  2. 2

    Step 2: Divide the remaining participants into the same number of small groups as there are presenters. (5 min)

  3. 3

    Step 3: Assign each group to a different station to start. (2 min)

  4. 4

    Step 4: Each small group spends 10 minutes at a station listening to the presentation and 2 minutes asking questions or providing feedback. (12 min)

  5. 5

    Step 5: Groups rotate to the next station. (1 min)

  6. 6

    Step 6: Repeat steps 4 and 5 until each group has visited all stations. (60-90 min total)

Facilitator Tips
  • Encourage presenters to focus on storytelling and practical examples.
  • Strictly enforce the time limits to ensure everyone gets a chance to present and participate.
  • Consider providing presenters with a template or guidelines for their 10-minute presentations.
Variations
  • Use 'What, So What, Now What?' for debriefing after each station.
  • Shorten presentation time to 8 minutes.
  • Allow individuals to freely move between stations instead of forming fixed groups (Open Space style).
  • Add snacks and drinks at each station.
Source: Liberating StructuresLearn more