Not every deep dive needs a spotlight on one person, sometimes the most powerful growth happens when the whole group is in it together.
A few months ago, I worked with a Forum that had been together for over three years. Trust was high, but their meetings were starting to feel… predictable. Same agenda, same rhythm, same rotation of Deep Dives.
They decided to shake things up by doing a values-based group activity. Instead of one member going deep, the whole group worked through a structured experience that challenged them to reflect, share, and connect in new ways.
It sparked new conversations, surfaced hidden dynamics, and left the group more energized than they’d felt in months.
That’s the beauty of a Group Activity Deep Dive. It’s not about one person’s challenge, it’s about growing together.
Group Activity Deep Dives allow your Forum to strengthen trust, gain insight, or work through shared challenges as a team.
What Is a Group Activity Deep Dive?
This format replaces the individual Deep Dive with a facilitated group experience, either led by an outside expert or facilitated internally.
It’s ideal for:
- Strengthening group trust
- Exploring shared challenges
- Developing soft skills (communication, feedback, values)
- Re-energizing the Forum rhythm
- Having fun together
Two Versions of Group Activity Deep Dive
1. Outside Facilitator
What it is:
The group brings in a trained facilitator to lead a structured activity. This person might specialize in leadership development, team dynamics, communication, or another area relevant to the group.
Best used when:
- You want a more advanced or intensive experience
- The group wants to participate fully without managing logistics
- You want outside perspective and professional guidance
Structure Example
Total Time: 60 minutes (or longer based on the activity)
- Welcome + Context (5 min)
- Deep Dive Coordinator introduces the facilitator and frames the purpose.
- Deep Dive Coordinator introduces the facilitator and frames the purpose.
- Facilitated Activity (40 min)
- The outside expert runs the group through the designed experience.
- The outside expert runs the group through the designed experience.
- Debrief + Group Reflection (15 min)
- The outside facilitator leads the group in drawing connections and lessons.
- The outside facilitator closes with takeaways or next steps.
2. Internal Facilitator
What it is:
The Forum selects an activity and runs it themselves. One or more members prep and guide the group through it. These can be simpler in scope but still high in impact.
Best used when:
- You want something low-budget and high-trust
- You have facilitation skills within the group
- You want to explore or test a lighter activity
Structure Example:
Total Time: 45 minutes (or longer based on the activity)
- Setup + Instructions (5 min)
- Internal facilitator explains the activity and sets the tone.
- Internal facilitator explains the activity and sets the tone.
- Activity (40 min)
- Members engage in the exercise (could be partner work, written prompts, discussion rounds, etc.)
- Members engage in the exercise (could be partner work, written prompts, discussion rounds, etc.)
- Debrief + Takeaways (15 min)
- Group reflects on the experience.
- The facilitator helps tie it back to Forum themes or goals.
Moderator Tips to Make It Work
1. Match the Activity to the Group’s Season
Don’t force it. Pick activities that meet your group where they are. Trust-building, feedback, shared vision, each has its time.
2. For Outside Facilitators: Do a Prep Call
Give them context. Who are the members? What’s the group dynamic? What are you hoping this activity will surface?
3. For Internal Facilitators: Rehearse
Even a simple activity runs better with prep. Test timing. Clarify instructions. Have backup questions ready.
4. Timebox Everything
Activity Deep Dives are notorious for running long. Protect debrief time so the learning lands.
5. Be Clear About Confidentiality
Just because it’s group-based doesn’t mean it’s casual. Set norms. Remind people of the space you’re trying to create.
6. Hard to facilitate and participate
It is very difficult to act as both the facilitator and a participant. Only someone who is highly trained as a facilitator is able to bounce back-and-forth. So keep that in mind just in case you use an internal facilitator to run the activity, because most likely they won’t be able to participate then.
If your Forum is ready to break the routine, try a Group Activity Deep Dive. Whether you bring in a pro or run it yourselves, these sessions create shared insight, deepen trust, and spark new energy.
Need activity suggestions or want help finding the right facilitator? I’ve got you covered, just ask.
