Several methods are developed to provide for common development/learning and reflection. The “reverse figure 6” is a basic model for the “Smarter Together process” which illustrates how the process phases are related to each other:

The phases in a Smarter Together process consist of
1. Confidence making
2. Mapping
3. Gathering/workshop, decide action
4. Implementation
5. Evaluation

The first phase is a confidence making phase, which is vital for the process to succeed. Management, as well as other parts of the organization, must understand the topic and basis of such a process. During this phase, all affected parties are informed about the process, and a reference group (a project team) is established which is working together with our representatives. The reference group should identify areas they consider to be important, in order to establish a common sense of understanding as well as a common goal. The reference group takes part in the planning and preparation of the process.

The second phase is the mapping phase, which is important in order to establish an understanding of the present situation. What is the situation, and what topics are important? The mapping could be done using different methods, preferably through company visits and different types of interviews. The mapping phase also plays a significant role when it comes to informing about the project and building trust and commitment in parts of the organization through interviews with persons in different kinds of positions in the organization. The results from the mapping phase are systematized and verified against the reference group. These results are the basis for further planning of the process, as well as being a reference point for the future evaluation. A thorough mapping may also indicate what topics might emerge in the workshop discussions during the next phase.

In the third phase, based on the mapping, an SmS workshop will be arranged. The workshops are based on the principles of a dialogue conference. As such, the workshop typically hosts different techniques/processes as group work- and plenary sessions and presentations. The choice of technique, structure and task framing is prepared based on the results from the mapping phase.
Group work is an important element of the gatherings/workshops. Group composition and the structure of the group tasks are prepared on the basis of mapping and discussions with the reference group. The groups might be heterogeneous or homogeneous, depending on the purpose of the discussions. Each group in the group work is facilitated by a representative from Smarter Together with the responsibility of impelling the discussion.

The goal of a “Smarter Together”-gathering is to produce specific, robust proposals for actions to be implemented when coming “home”. These actions must be as specific as possible in order to relate/connect each action to the area of responsibility of specific persons. The actions will also be published in a report referring to the work of all people attending the gathering.

The fourth phase of the Smarter Together-process is implementing the actions in the organization. If the actions are extensive, it will be appropriate to establish work groups with the responsibility of implementing the actions. As a part of implementing the process, it is important that all contributors are being informed and getting feedback on the progress of implementation in suitable arenas.

The last and most important step of the process is to evaluate the implementation of the actions. This may be done by means of follow-up surveys, e.g. interview sessions or surveys. The results must be compared with the findings from the mapping in phase two. Then, the result from the total process, from confidence making to evaluation, will be summarized in a report – usually with recommendations for new improvements.