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Team Productivity · Google Docs

Workshop Creation Playbook

30–45 min to design your session1 person (solo design tool)Preparation resource

Create effective workshops with this 8-step framework. From blank page to polished session.

What is this workshop?

Starting from scratch on a workshop design is one of the hardest parts of facilitation. This playbook walks you through an 8-step process — from defining your goal to designing the agenda, choosing your activities, and preparing for the unexpected. Whether you're running your first workshop or your fiftieth, this framework keeps your design process structured and your output sharp.

What's included

  • 8-step workshop design framework
  • Agenda template
  • Activity selection guide
  • Facilitation prep checklist

This is for you if…

  • Anyone designing a workshop from scratch
  • Experienced facilitators who want a consistent design process
  • Managers asked to run a session they've never facilitated before

How to access this template

1Enter your email in the card — we'll send you the template link right away.
2Open the link and go to File → Make a copy.
3Choose a destination folder in your Google Drive and click 'OK'.
4Your copy is ready — rename it and start editing.

How to run this workshop

1Make a copy of the Google Doc — go to File → Make a copy.
2Start with Step 1: define the single outcome your workshop should produce.
3Work through each step in order — don't skip the constraint-setting step, it makes everything else easier.
4Use the agenda template in Step 6 to draft your session flow.
5Run a 10-minute dry-run with a colleague before the real session to catch any gaps.

Tips for first-time facilitators

  • Don't skip Step 1 (define the outcome). Every other step is easier when you're clear on this.
  • The dry-run in Step 7 feels unnecessary — until the one time you skip it and it goes wrong.
  • Design for 20% less content than your time slot. You will almost always run over.

Frequently asked questions

How do I copy this playbook?

Open the link, then go to File → Make a copy. The copy saves to your Google Drive immediately.

How long does it take to design a workshop using this playbook?

For a straightforward 60-minute session: 30–45 minutes. For a complex full-day event: 2–3 hours. The playbook is designed to eliminate the blank-page paralysis, not replace the thinking.

Is this for online workshops or in-person?

Both. The framework is tool-agnostic. Step 5 includes guidance for adapting activities to remote, hybrid, or in-person settings.

Do I need facilitation training to use this?

No. The playbook is written for beginners and experienced facilitators alike. If you can run a meeting, you can use this to run a workshop.

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