🤔 What is an “Anonymous Coffee”?

 

Anonymous coffee is a Questions & Answers discussion model for a group of people interested in a common subject. Participants ask questions anonymously to learn insights and experiences from the group discussion, without getting exposed. Questions are chosen randomly so there is no judgment of good/meh/bad ones.

The concept is simple to implement and free to use, in order to make it accessible. Please reference this site if you use it, spread the word!

 

😀 Can I organise one?

 

Absolutely! This is an open format that suits different groups (meetups, team retrospectives, workshops to name a few). The goal of this site is to suggest a starting point that begins from some steps we took and lessons we learned. The only thing we ask in return is that you spread the word, keep our credits, and reach us out to share ideas and pictures of your events.

 

💡How does it work?

 

TL;DR: People write questions on cards (one question per card, without signing) and put them in a box or bag. The group selects random questions to discuss, assisted by a facilitator who helps the event flow.

 

📋 Suggested agenda

 

• Reception: allow the first minutes for people to understand how it works and add their question cards.
  • If the event is a meetup, 15 to 30 minutes should work well, allowing time for attendees to arrive and network.
  • If the event is a meeting, go for shorter receptions, from 5 to 10 minutes.
  • The facilitator may do something to break the ice before the session starts.
• Session: 
  • The facilitator establishes with participants.
    • The duration of the whole session – Recommended: 1 hour.
    • The maximum time for discussing each question – Recommended: 10 minutes.
    • How the timebox will be monitored: A clock visible to all; a countdown using a mobile, tablet, or computer; an agreed-upon ending time; etc.
  • Timebox starts.
  • A volunteer picks up one question at random and reads it out loud.
  • The group discuss the question.
  • The facilitator stays alert to the moment to proceed to the next question
    • When the question time is up; or
    • If the conversation starts cooling down, move on so as not to lose momentum. In this case, ensure no one else wants to speak.
  • The process repeats until the time is over.
• Wrapping up:
  • Thank all the participants for their contributions.
  • Share the list of questions with everyone later (even the unanswered ones).
  • Save the unanswered questions for future sessions, in case there are not many questions.

 

🎥 Can an Anonymous Coffee be recorded?

 

That depends on the group and the event goal. However, to benefit from maximum honesty (the distinct value of Anonymous Coffee), it is recommended not to record the session.  “Vegas Rule” (what happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas).

However, registering the moment until the first question is picked up can be a nice teaser to share on social networks.

 

💻 Can I run it remotely?

 

We have never tried, but it surely can with the right tools and facilitation. If you do, reach out to tell your experience!

 

An honest discussion that will bring value to all, and most especially to the lucky authors of the chosen questions.