Technology of Participation (ToP)
Effective Methods for Collective Participation
ICA’s Technology of Participation (ToP)® methods are group facilitation methods that are applicable in any setting where groups need to make collective decisions or plans. Our methods aim to foster collaboration in decision making and action - among individuals, organizations or communities.
ToP® methods allow for transformative group journeys and aid meaningful conversations on where they are, why they are there, where they would like to be, and what they will do together to help them get to where they need to go. ​
1 . Providing structure
ToP methods apply structure to group process, preventing groups from drifting from the topic at hand
2. Versatility
ToP methods are extremely versatile and can work with groups of strangers to long-term colleagues, groups with mixed or homogenous backgrounds, and more.
3. Directed focus
ToP methods provide excellent ways to focus a group of people on a specific topic long enough to determine necessary next steps, direction, and decision implementation.
4 . Encouraging real listening
ToP methods encourage real listening. ToP participants don't need to raise their voices or fight for the floor to be heard. Nor do they have to repeat previously stated positions for emphasis or to indicate agreement or support.
5 . Understanding over criticism
ToP methods encourage understanding rather than criticism. They are helpful when bringing different information or perspectives together in order to create a commonly held comprehensive or "bigger" picture of an issue or objective.
6 . Discouraging negative thinking
ToP methods recognize that each person's comments are received, and none are disqualified or struck from the record.
7. Blending logic and emotion
ToP methods draw out both the rational and emotional responses and experiences of participants to reach a collectively agreed upon result.
8. Enabling honesty
ToP methods enable honesty: people who know that their responses will be accepted like everybody else's feel free to say what they really think and feel. The experience of such honesty is often releasing, surprising, refreshing, and empowering.