Bringing Best Practices to Life: Mastering the Gallery Walk Technique

A Gallery Walk is an interactive and engaging technique that brings best practices to life. Whether you are teaching change management concepts, showcasing successful project outcomes, or fostering peer learning, a Gallery Walk is a versatile method that can transform passive learning into active discovery.

What is a Gallery Walk?

A Gallery Walk is a structured, interactive exercise where participants move through a space, exploring different stations or exhibits that showcase ideas, best practices, case studies, or solutions. Each station provides a different focus, allowing participants to learn, discuss, and engage with the content.

Why Use a Gallery Walk in Change Management?

• Active Learning: Participants are actively exploring and discussing rather than passively listening.
• Peer Learning: Teams can share their best practices and learn from each other.
• Visual Impact: Creative, well-designed exhibits make information memorable.

When to Use a Gallery Walk

• To introduce best practices for change management.
• To review lessons learned from completed projects.
• To showcase stakeholder feedback or survey results.
• To generate ideas for an upcoming change initiative.

How to Plan and Set Up a Gallery Walk

1. Define Your Purpose: Decide what you want participants to learn or achieve.
2. Select Your Topics: Choose key best practices, case studies, or themes to showcase.
3. Design Your Exhibits: Create engaging visuals, such as posters, infographics, or digital displays. Each exhibit should focus on one key idea.
4. Choose a Space: Set up your gallery in a room with enough space for participants to move around comfortably.
5. Set the Flow: Arrange the exhibits logically, ensuring participants can navigate easily.
6. Assign Facilitators: Have one or two facilitators at each station to guide discussions or answer questions.

Facilitating a Successful Gallery Walk

• Begin with Clear Instructions: Explain the purpose, the process, and the expected outcomes.
• Encourage Exploration: Allow participants to move at their own pace, spending time at the exhibits that interest them most.
• Foster Interaction: Provide sticky notes, markers, or a digital tool for participants to share thoughts and feedback.
• Rotate Groups (Optional): If you have a large group, consider rotating them through stations to ensure everyone can engage.

Debriefing After the Gallery Walk

• Gather participants and ask them to share their key takeaways.
• Highlight any recurring themes, innovative ideas, or critical questions that emerged.
• Capture feedback for future Gallery Walks.

Gallery Walk Ideas for Change Management

1. Best Practices Showcase: Highlight key strategies for managing resistance, effective communication, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Case Study Gallery: Display successful (and failed) change initiatives with a focus on lessons learned.
3. Toolkit Walk: Feature tools, templates, and resources for change practitioners.
4. Feedback Wall: Participants can leave sticky notes with their insights, questions, or additional ideas.
5. Future Vision Gallery: Participants share their vision for successful change management in the organization.

Advanced Tips for a High-Impact Gallery Walk

• Use multimedia elements (videos, audio clips, or digital screens) for more dynamic exhibits.
• Add a competitive element by having participants vote on the most impactful exhibit.
• Use a digital gallery walk for remote or hybrid teams.

Final Thought: The Power of Visual Learning

A Gallery Walk is more than just an exercise. It is a dynamic, interactive way to share knowledge, showcase best practices, and inspire innovation. Whether you are coaching leaders, training practitioners, or guiding a team through a complex change, a well-executed Gallery Walk can transform learning into action.

Power to the Practitioner.