The Disney Method is a structured brainstorming technique that uses three distinct perspectives—**the Dreamer, the Realist, and the Critic**—to develop and refine ideas. Here's a workshop plan tailored to an MSP dealing with automation, standardization, and improving efficiency for companies with 20-30 employees: --- ## **Workshop Plan: Disney Method for MSP Process Improvement** ### **Preparation** - **Duration**: 4-5 hours (including breaks) - **Participants**: Include key employees from management, tech teams, and support teams to ensure diverse perspectives. - **Materials**: - Whiteboards, sticky notes, markers - Large paper for mapping ideas - Timer - Projector (if needed for presentations) - **Environment**: Arrange the space into three distinct zones or corners (labeled Dreamer, Realist, and Critic). --- ### **Agenda** #### **1. Introduction (15 minutes)** - **Objective**: Explain the goals of the workshop and the Disney Method. - Share the current challenges (automation, standardization, efficiency). - Define success: actionable, realistic solutions. - **Icebreaker**: Quick activity to build rapport (e.g., "What's one innovation you love and why?"). --- #### **2. Stage 1: The Dreamer (45 minutes)** - **Purpose**: Generate bold, creative ideas without limitations or concerns. - **Setup**: - Move participants to the *Dreamer Zone*. - Ask them to imagine an ideal version of the company where everything is perfect. - **Prompt Questions**: - "What does a fully automated and standardized MSP look like?" - "What if we had infinite resources—how would we solve our process issues?" - "What would be the most exciting thing we could offer our customers?" - **Activity**: - Brainstorm ideas in groups. - Write down every idea (no evaluation!). - **Output**: A large pool of ideas. --- #### **3. Stage 2: The Realist (1 hour)** - **Purpose**: Refine the ideas into practical, actionable solutions. - **Setup**: - Move participants to the *Realist Zone*. - Review the ideas generated in the Dreamer stage. - **Prompt Questions**: - "How can we implement this idea step-by-step?" - "What resources do we need, and what resources do we have?" - "Which ideas can be executed within our current constraints?" - **Activity**: - Split into small teams, each working on 2-3 Dreamer ideas. - Develop actionable plans, timelines, and resource requirements. - **Output**: A set of actionable plans for the most promising ideas. --- #### **4. Stage 3: The Critic (1 hour)** - **Purpose**: Identify risks, challenges, and weaknesses in the plans. - **Setup**: - Move participants to the *Critic Zone*. - Examine the actionable plans developed in the Realist stage. - **Prompt Questions**: - "What could go wrong with this idea?" - "Are there more efficient alternatives?" - "How can we mitigate these risks?" - **Activity**: - Groups present their plans. - Other participants play the role of the critic and provide constructive feedback. - Revise plans based on feedback. - **Output**: Polished and realistic action plans. --- #### **5. Synthesis & Action Plan (45 minutes)** - **Purpose**: Consolidate the best ideas into a strategic roadmap. - **Activity**: - Prioritize ideas based on impact and feasibility. - Assign ownership to key team members for each initiative. - Set timelines for implementation. - **Output**: - A finalized action plan, ready for execution. --- #### **6. Closing & Next Steps (15 minutes)** - Summarize the outcomes of the workshop. - Gather feedback from participants. - Share follow-up plans, including timelines and responsibilities for implementing ideas. --- ### **Post-Workshop Follow-Up** - **Document outcomes**: Share a summary with participants and stakeholders. - **Schedule check-ins**: Regular meetings to review progress on implementation. - **Celebrate wins**: Acknowledge milestones and successes to maintain momentum. --- This approach ensures balanced creativity, practicality, and critical thinking to address your company's challenges effectively.