The IN / OUT / Open questions board is a variation of the parking lot technique that helps keep conversations on track and manage time effectively. By using this simple tool, facilitators can ensure productive discussions and quick decision-making during workshops or meetings.
Differently to the parking lot, the IN / OUT / Open questions board has of three designated areas (instead of only one, the parking lot): IN, OUT, and Open questions. The facilitator introduces this board either at the beginning of the workshop or when conversations start deviating from the main topic. When a discussion point arises, write it on a post-it note and place it in the appropriate section
How it works:
- Prepare a flip chart or a remote area divided into three sections: IN, OUT, and Open questions.
- Write the respective headings on each section.
- Explain each area:
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- IN: Items that fall within the scope of our team’s work.
- OUT: Items that are known to be outside the scope of our team.
- Open questions: Items that require further exploration or are not immediately answerable in the current session.
Benefits and Application:
- Efficient tracking: The IN / OUT / Open questions board helps track items, ideas, and issues that emerge during activities, ensuring they are addressed at the right time.
- Time management: It prevents conversations from derailing and allows the facilitator to guide the discussion back on track.
- Enhanced productivity: With a clear structure, participants can navigate through discussions efficiently, leading to quicker decision-making.
Conclusion:
The IN / OUT / Open questions board is a valuable tool for facilitating workshops and meetings, enabling teams to stay on track, manage time effectively, and address important topics within the given session. It is specially useful when the workshop is about the scope of a team’s work.
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