STOP asking your learners to create actions at the end of workshops!

Distracted Reflection: The Secret to Designing and Delivering Meaningful Training Workshops

It’s not uncommon to see photos of me designing my workshops in a coffee shop, often with a latte in hand and a cozy corner claimed for the morning. But before you think this is just about my love for lattes (although I do enjoy a good Soya Vanilla Latte!)  or my appreciation of coffee shop decor, (although I do love an eclectic mix of random lampshades and mismatched furniture!) let me share a deeper secret. The real reason I gravitate to these spaces is for something I like to call “distracted reflection.”

What is Distracted Reflection

Distracted reflection is that magical state when you plant the seed of an idea in your mind but don’t immediately rush to force it into full bloom. Instead, you shift your focus to something else, letting your subconscious mull it over, explore alternatives, and bring clarity.
Personally, my best ideas often surface when I’m driving, walking the dog, or even sitting quietly in the garden—never when I try to force myself into a rigid creative mode.

Applying Distracted Reflection in Workshop

​As trainers and facilitators, we’re often encouraged to end sessions by asking participants to commit to specific actions. But here’s a little controversy for you: I don’t. Why? Because committing to an action on the spot might lead participants to latch onto the wrong actions. Their brains haven’t had enough time to fully process and reflect on the learning yet.

Instead, I design workshops to naturally incorporate moments of distracted reflection. Here are a few ways I do this:

1. Structured Down-Time
   I provide brief breaks during sessions where participants can simply capture thoughts, doodle, or even gaze out the window. These short pauses let their minds digest what they’ve learned without pressure. I also leave this open for kinaesthetic learners who might prefer handling fidget toys or LEGO pieces.
2. Walk and Talk
   A quick, 10-minute walk—alone or with a partner—can work wonders. Participants can talk about anything they like, free from the constraints of “work mode.” Even those who choose to stay put are encouraged to avoid immediate “productive” activities during this break.
3. Silent Group Doodle
   Using a large sheet of paper, coloured pens, and unconventional timing (hello, 8 minutes!) I get my learners to freely express thoughts visually. They can roam around the paper, adding and responding to each other's ideas in an organic, collaborative way.

By the time the session ends, participants often find themselves better equipped to reflect, connect dots, and make decisions on their own terms. Encouraging this process to continue beyond the workshop fosters deeper learning and more authentic action plans.
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Embracing Distracted Reflection in Your Life

Whether you’re designing workshops, brainstorming ideas, or simply trying to make decisions, distracted reflection can be a powerful ally. Give yourself the gift of stepping back, allowing your brain the space it needs to wander creatively. For me, that often means sipping a latte at my favourite coffee shop—though for you, it might be a walk in the park or a quiet moment at home.

So, the next time you’re stuck on an idea or wrestling with a decision, try leaning into the art of distracted reflection. You might just be surprised by what your mind creates when you stop forcing it to work.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to order another coffee. Cheers to reflection, collaboration, and those little moments of inspiration that find us when we least expect them!
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#CuriousLighthouse #LearningAndDevelopment