Participants

Participants

Participants determine their level of participation by considering how worthwhile they believe the project is. The measure of "worthwhile" stems from many sources: an individual set of values , making a difference, fulfilling a position, accomplishing a task, serving a cause, or doing a job.

Sometimes, individuals or entities will sacrifice a great deal for the process if they believe it is worthwhile to do so. Participants are the most important resource --without them, nothing happens.

A core team is usually formed to handle the bulk of the data gathering and analysis, while other participants may have a more sporadic role--commenting at certain key points, providing data, etc. The core team needs to maintain contact with other participants, particularly decisionmakers , to ensure that everyone is kept fully informed and that concerns are heard.

Levels of Participation

Keeping track of who is involved to what level can help participants still feel like a part of the process.

To do this, you might use a participation map. Draw a map showing outer and inner layers to represent levels of participation (from passively interested to actively involved). Then mark who is where on the map:

Expectations

Recognize the various expectations at the various levels of participation:

Go On

Helpful Hints Tour Levels of Awareness <-----> End tour