When it comes to running a great Carefrontation workshop, content matters, but so does delivery. The way you structure your session has a huge impact on engagement, learning, and follow-through. While you don’t have to include every type of exercise, incorporating a mix of formats keeps energy high and gives participants different ways to absorb and apply the concepts. Here are a variety of workshop elements to consider, along with how they can elevate your Carefrontation session.
Icebreakers
Icebreakers are a great way to lower the emotional temperature and get people talking early. They help participants build quick rapport, which is key when diving into topics like giving and receiving feedback. A well-placed icebreaker makes the rest of the session feel more approachable and human.
Presentations
Short presentations can provide structure and shared language, especially when introducing the principles behind Carefrontation. This is your chance to explain what Carefrontation is, how it compares to Radical Candor, and why it matters in your sales culture. Keep it concise, clear, and connected to real-world scenarios.
Discussions
Open discussions create space for reflection and connection. They allow participants to voice thoughts, challenge assumptions, and relate Carefrontation principles to their personal experience. This format can be especially effective after presenting a framework or model.
Group Activities
Collaborative exercises give participants a chance to learn from each other while exploring the material more deeply. Whether it’s mapping out feedback styles or building a “do’s and don’ts” list together, these activities create shared ownership. They also encourage quieter voices to participate in lower-pressure ways.
Role-Playing Exercises
Role-playing is where theory meets reality. Practicing real conversations in a safe environment helps build confidence and reveals hidden challenges. It’s especially helpful in sales contexts, where feedback delivery often needs to be fast, clear, and compassionate.
Sharings
Personal stories or examples from participants can bring abstract concepts to life. When someone shares a time they received great (or tough) feedback, it creates emotional resonance. Encouraging voluntary sharing builds trust and makes the workshop feel grounded in real experience.
Teachbacks
Having participants teach a concept back to the group helps solidify their understanding. It also highlights different interpretations and encourages peer learning. Teachbacks work well in pairs or small groups toward the end of a section.
Debriefs
After any high-energy activity or role-play, a debrief helps process what just happened. It gives people space to name what worked, what felt awkward, and what they’d do differently next time. Debriefs also help the facilitator connect the activity back to workshop objectives.
Action Plans
Wrapping up with a simple action plan turns ideas into commitments. Ask participants to write down one or two things they’ll try or change as a result of the workshop. This helps reinforce accountability and gives the learning a life beyond the session.
You don’t need to use every one of these elements in every workshop, but mixing formats can help meet your team where they are. What’s your go-to exercise for a powerful feedback session—or one you’re excited to try? Drop your favorite below and let’s build a stronger Carefrontation toolkit together.
