From Regional Knowledge Resource Kit

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Purpose

In this third stage, the region carries out the third and final line of inquiry, which is a narrative inquiry. The main approach used to collect the narrative material is a technique called anecdote circles. The inclusion of this narratve inquiry enables a richer and deeper understanding than could be achieved with just the information mapping or surveys.

The Stage 4 workshops will pull together the results of the three lines of inquiry and underpin the development of your NRM Knowledge Strategy. Because of this, the Stage 3 anecdote circles are not problem-solving discussions. Rather, they are about hearing how people experience a range of issues around a topic using these experiences as the basis for better understanding what can be done to improve the sharing and use of information and knowledge.

Preparation

You'll need:

• Sound recording equipment, for example a good quality Digital Voice Recorder such as the Olympus DS30, DS40 or DS-4000. Have a backup if possible. Always do a sound check and have fresh spare batteries.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Tables to be arranged in one group – wherever possible everyone should be able to see each other.

Things you'll need to do:

1. Write the following guidelines on a whiteboard:
   • 1st or 2nd hand examples
   • Don’t disagree – take the opportunity to tell your version
   • Try to let others finish their story
2. Try to organise for the group to mingle (over coffee / biscuits) for the 15 minutes before commencement.

Agenda

1. Purpose of the project
2. Overview of strategy development process
3. Warm-up
• Introductions - find out some more about each other by going around the table. Tell us about yourself—your organisation, your role, where you are located and how long you’ve been involved with NRM.
• Refer participants to guidelines
4. Anecdote circles
5. Closing

Key Deliverables

• Narrative material (anecdotes) for input into Stage 4.
• Increased understandings and awareness from the dialogue that occurs in the Anecdote Circles.

How to ...

• How to facilitate an anecdote circle
• How to extract anecdotes for sensemaking
• How to prepare questions for an anecdote circle (optional)

Tools

1. Essential tools:
   • How to facilitate an anecdote circle
   • Anecdote Circles - Facilitator's Guide
   • A good quality Digital Voice recorder such as the Olympus DS-4000
   • How to extract anecdotes for sensemaking
2. Optional advanced tools:
   • How to prepare questions for an anecdote circle
   • The Ultimate Guide to Anecdote Circles
   • Anecdote's Squidoo Lense on Business Narrative Techniques

Duration

Dependant on numbers. Allow 90 minutes for each Anecdote circle. Two sessions per day (am/pm) are recommended.

Participants

As many staff as possible in small 'peer' groups of between 6-12 participants in each group. Smaller groups are preferable where possible i.e. it is better to have 2 groups of 6 than 1 group of 12.

Next steps

Go to the "Developing a Regional Knowledge Strategy" Quick Links Page to access the resources for the next stage of the process.