What, So What, Now What? W³
This method helps groups reflect on a shared experience by progressing through three stages: What happened, why it's important, and what actions should follow. It's designed to encourage understanding and coordinated action while minimizing conflict.
How to run it
- 1
Arrange participants in small groups of 5-7.
- 2
Ask 'WHAT? What happened?' Allow individuals 1 minute alone, then 2-7 minutes in their small group to discuss.
- 3
Have groups share key observations with the whole group.
- 4
Ask 'SO WHAT? Why is that important?' Again, allow 1 minute alone, then 2-7 minutes in small groups.
- 5
Collect emerging patterns and conclusions from each group.
- 6
Ask 'NOW WHAT? What actions make sense?' Give 1 minute for individual reflection, followed by 2-7 minutes in groups.
- 7
Discuss and collect proposed actions with the whole group.
Tips
Ensure each group understands the questions clearly to avoid confusion.
Use examples to clarify.
Encourage groups to focus on unique and meaningful insights rather than repetitive lists.
Don't rush through the 'So What?' stage, as it's crucial for linking observations to actions.
Variations
Use a talking object to slow down and deepen discussions. Consider adding a 'What If?' question to explore potential alternatives. Invite a small group to debrief in front of everyone for diverse perspectives. You can adapt the method to a specific theme or project relevant to the group’s focus. For instance, adjust the questions to suit the context of a team project reflection. Run in 1-2-4-All format: individual → pairs → fours → all. Use as a meeting closer to convert discussion into decisions. Apply to data reviews, incident debriefs, or learning experiences.
Where it fits
Related methods
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
When should I use What, So What, Now What? W³?▾
Use What, So What, Now What? W³ when you want to: Reflecting on a completed project to determine next steps.; Analyzing a recent event to understand its impact and implications.; Facilitating a team debrief after a significant change or challenge.; project retrospective; team alignment session; feedback gathering; planning future initiatives; Debriefs after workshops; Data review meetings; Learning events; Retrospectives; Incident reviews.
How long does What, So What, Now What? W³ take?▾
What, So What, Now What? W³ typically takes 45–60 minutes.
How many participants does What, So What, Now What? W³ work for?▾
What, So What, Now What? W³ works best for groups of 5–50 participants.
What materials do I need for What, So What, Now What? W³?▾
To run What, So What, Now What? W³ you will need: Chairs, Paper, Flip chart, Talking object (optional).
How difficult is What, So What, Now What? W³ to facilitate?▾
What, So What, Now What? W³ is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Liberating Structures. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.