Co-development: a training method that calls on collective intelligence

What is co-development?

It’s a training method that was developed in the 90s in Quebec, Canada, that relies on team communication and collective intelligence to address professional issues specific to each team member.

It was developed by two management specialists: Adrien Payette, lecturer at École Nationale d’Administration Publique (ENAP) and Claude Champagne, who worked as a trainer at a hospital in Quebec. Unlike traditional training programs, it does not rely on a trainer passing on their knowledge to a group. The group finds their own solutions and improve by communicating and thinking for themselves.

How does this training method actually work?

A co-development workshop comprises between 6 and 10 people, and includes as many sessions as there are people involved. A session lasts for about 2 hours.

A group member acts as a client and presents their situation, setting out the problem, their concern, and their project. The group then aims to find appropriate solutions. The group can call on a co-development coach. They will help to guide the group if necessary, without influencing what is said. Sessions are rolled out in 6 stages.

The 6 key stages in a co-development workshop

1. Presentation of the topic

The “client” tells the group what’s on their mind, i.e. a problem, a particular concern or a project that’s on standby. Other members, acting as “consultants”, listen to the “client”.

2. Clarification

The “consultants” ask factual questions to get more details about the challenges involved. The most important thing is to set aside behavior-based elements to focus on facts only. The aim is to create chains of cause and effect.

3. The contract

The “client” summarizes the exchanges and voices a request. The “consultants” rephrase the request to make sure that it is taken on board, and to ensure the success of the workshop.

4. Exploration

The "consultants” talk, discuss, think, and discuss again. The “client” listens, can ask for details and notes down any suggestions.

5. Summary and action plan

The “client” organizes the information and drafts a summary that will lead to an action plan. The “consultants” guide the “client” toward the most appropriate actions.

6. Wrap-up/assessment

‍Everyone draws conclusions on the session, on what they’ve learned. The workshop can end with an overall assessment of the interactions.

The co-development workshop relies on this 6-stage structure to yield results.

What are the benefits of co-development?

The co-development method has many benefits: 

• Group members act as both “clients” and “consultants”, and are therefore trainers and trainees in turn, according to the subject matter. 
• Having small groups helps communication and promotes a friendly approach, with a view to concrete problem solving.
• It’s a fairly leisurely process, which helps develop the thought process, relying on your own experience and that of fellow group members.
• This highly rewarding method places individual experiences at the service of the entire group.
• Finally, dealing with human-related topics, the method helps develop everyone’s emotional intelligence.

Co-development Template: visual management to solve work-related issues

Use the Co-development Template to report on the exchanges and share with other team members.

Whether acting as coach, client, or consultant, everyone can take part and give others food for thought with ideas, drawings and documents.

Each stage is listed in this Template, which is customizable according to the group and everyone’s personal requirements.

With Live, Board's built-in videoconferencing solution, co-development workshops can be organized with groups who are either on site or remote. 

Board is available to all asynchronously after the session, where everyone can find all the exchanges and ideas for future reference if necessary. 

This Template can be used along with one or more others from the Template library, which offers many ways to create a unique experience.