A new WOL approach: Co-creating methods
It started with a retail company in Switzerland. “We really like the method,” the HR team said. “We just want to customize it a bit.”
That led to collaborative workshops and a method tailored to their industry and corporate values, a method they feel greater ownership of.
Since then, a whole new world of possibilities has opened up—for Working Out Loud and for the many different kinds of organizations we work with.
Co-creation at three levels
The simplest level is customization. This usually involves changing examples or language in the Workbook. Like that retail company, organizations who customize want to use one of the six core WOL methods with just a few changes.
The next level is evolution. In this case, we build upon elements of existing methods to create something new. The FrauenStärken program for female empowerment, for example, has already reached over 6000 people. For the upcoming program in January, we are working together with Connecting Humans on new content and a new format that builds on the original WOL method.
The final level is origination. This is where we create a new method from scratch for organizations, partners, or new use cases. For example, I’ve recently been working with Dennis Böcker on how we can integrate social learning methods into his innovation work, enabling companies to engage and include their broader workforce in change programs like sustainability and AI.
Who it’s for
Not every organization will want or need customization, as the original WOL methods work well for a wide range of use cases.
The ones who want to co-create methods are those trying to reach a different kind of audience or solve a particular challenge. Here’s a sample of the diverse groups we’re collaborating with in addition to those cited above:
An international company that wants a custom method they can “call their own” and include in their internal academy.
A German municipal organization that wants the “spirit and mindset of WOL” with the flexibility to include their own examples and exercises.
A US veterans organization that wants to help their members with transitioning.
A global program for strengthening families that wants to support their trainers.
Universities who want social support for their students’ career exploration and job search.
What Skills, Relationships, and Mindsets do you need?
The need that corporations, nonprofits, veterans groups, families, and universities all have in common is for greater connection between their people. Not a superficial “networking” but a feeling of trust and belonging that comes from goal-directed practice over time, together in a safe confidential Circle.
The WOL methods, as different as they can be, all change how people relate to to each other, to themselves, to the work they do.
Co-creating with such a wide array of passionate people and organizations has led to a greater sense of mission for WOL and created new opportunities for making a positive difference.
If you want to explore possibilities for greater connection and collaboration within your organization, contact me at john.stepper@workingoutloud.com or visit our website. Let’s see what we can create, together.