What is the purpose of the event? The sponsors are the persons that have knowledge of the factors and desired outcomes surrounding the current conditions. The sponsor is someone empowered to make decisions concerning the design of an event. The Strawdog summarizes the planners' thinking in terms of the purpose of the DesignShop, the desired outcomes and the individual modules that comprise the design.

Can we have two outcomes-known and unexpected? Often sponsor teams want to narrow the agenda. I try to get them to design so they will get at least what they want but not prevent what they do not expect. Why bring 50 people together around something that was easy to solve in the first place? You can set minimums, but do not cap the top. By definition emergence cannot be defined, but you can design for it. (excerpt from July 6, 2000 Facilitation workshop with Matt Taylor)

Examples of Desired Outcomes

• Identification of a shared direction and common vision and a strategy to begin achieving the vision.
• Improved understanding of the overall division program planning process.
• Identify common priorities and realistic strategies to work together collaboratively.