Introduction & Purpose

This article provides a practical guide for facilitators running a Get Together using the NextGen Pulse platform. Unlike traditional workshops, Get Togethers are short, structured, leader-led sessions designed to run inside the flow of work. They rely on prepared digital content, not slide decks, and are powered by participant input and reflection.

Facilitators play a central role in setting tone, guiding discussion, and converting input into insight.

Target Audience

Line Managers or Team Leads facilitating sessions with their team
Internal Trainers or HRBPs leading culture or learning rollouts
Facilitators delivering Get Togethers as part of broader leadership programs

Sectioned Structure

1. What is Your Role as Facilitator?

You are not a presenter. Your job is to:

Guide participants through the structured digital experience
Foster inclusive, open dialogue
Ensure clarity of objectives and focus
Surface insights and support reflection
Capture or highlight key actions when applicable

2. Before the Session: Prepare & Test

Review the Get Together flow

Read the Facilitation Notes built into the Pulse Builder (toggle them on per page)
Know what each activity is asking participants to do
Identify where to pause and ask questions

️ Test Access & Setup

Ensure all participants can access the Pulse session (check SSO or links)
Test your device and network (especially for virtual delivery)
Open the session on your facilitator screen and walk through the flow

Understand Your Tools

Interactive components may include:
- Brainstorming
- Polling
- Ratings and Prioritization
- Action Planning
These will drive group discussion — not slides or lectures

3. During the Session: Facilitate, Don’t Present

Opening the Session

Set expectations: “This is a working session — not a presentation.”
Briefly explain the objective of the session
If virtual, invite participants to stay off mute and cameras on (if possible)

Running the Flow

Follow the Pulse page flow in order
Read any Facilitator Notes before each activity
Pause for input and encourage open sharing:
- “Who saw something surprising in the results?”
- “What stands out to you from the brainstorm?”
Use Focus Mode or AI themes if included in the session
Don’t rush Action Planning — this is where commitment happens

Managing Engagement

If participation is quiet:
- Call on people by name in a gentle, inviting way
- React to input in real time: “Interesting — can anyone build on that?”
- Use small breakouts if the group is larger than 8–10

4. Closing the Session

Use the Session Report or final reflection page to recap key points
Invite verbal or typed reflections: “What will you take away?”
Ask participants to screenshot or save their Action Plan (if used)
End by reinforcing the connection to the bigger picture (e.g., team goals, strategy, growth)

5. Post-Session: Follow Through

If dashboards are enabled, results will be aggregated for analysis
You do not need to compile outputs manually
Encourage participants to revisit their actions or commitments in future team meetings

Watchouts & Considerations

Pulse sessions are live and time-bound; don’t click ahead accidentally
You do not need to “teach” the content — the platform and questions do the work
Engagement drops if the facilitator dominates — use your voice to open space, not fill it
No survey? No problem — data is captured live in the session

How to Facilitate a Get Together