Parking lot matrix (Notion workshop template)

Overview

Ever had your stomach churn and your heartbeat increase in a meeting as you realize you are losing control over the direction of the conversation?

A “Parking Lot Matrix” is a facilitation tool used during workshops or meetings to help capture ideas while staying on topic during discussions.

Setting up "parking lots" gives your team members a chance to write down ideas, comments, and questions that aren't relevant to the discussion you're currently having but want to come back to later, therefore allowing to recognize everyone’s thoughts and contributions to the meeting all the while staying focused on the primary topic.

How to use this Notion template

1. Start by noting down the purpose of the meeting and the desired outcome

2. Note all the issues/topics to discuss

3. Drag each "issue" into the desired quadrant

4. Finish by listing the next steps, the team’s responsibilities and deadlines for each task

There are four quadrants:

• Look for opportunities to use

• Keep under radar

• Consider later

• Do not consider

The quadrants help you organize other ideas based off their potential for improvement and implementation.