Guidelines for Agenda Mapping

The following chart outlines the guidelines for Agenda Mapping:

How to Do It
A Motivational Approach
Structure Orient your client to what you are going do. Use hypothetical language (e.g., We might, I wonder, Consider, Maybe…)
Consider Options Ask your clients to list their concerns that are open topics for discussion. Allow your client time and space to reflect on the list and to think of what might be missing.

Offer affirmations and support when possible.
Offer Your Thoughts Include issues that you think your client may have missed. Ask your client for permission first before discussing a new topic.
Zoom In Review the list and decide where to start. Factors that may influence the decision:
 
  • You are limited in what you can focus on because of where you work
  • Some areas may be more urgent than others as they have serious consequences if not addressed
  • The client may have very clear and strong opinions on where they want to start
 Be mindful that you don’t push your agenda too forcefully. Instead, negotiate.

If you do not agree with your client, take time to offer information about how you see the priorities and why.
Summarize Provide a list of all the issues and identify a priority or area of focus.

Offer that there is flexibility in changing the area of focus if needed at any time.

Invite the client to offer thoughts or reactions.		 After the summary invite the client to respond.