What is a disadvantage of facilitated workshops?

Facilitated workshops are designed to bring groups of people together to collaborate on a specific topic or project. While these sessions can be highly productive, one notable disadvantage is the presence of hidden agendas. Participants might come into the workshop with their own preconceived notions, objectives, or goals that they may not openly disclose. This lack of transparency can impact the overall effectiveness of the workshop because it could lead to conflicts or misunderstandings among the participants. The success of a facilitated workshop relies significantly on trust and open communication, and hidden agendas can create barriers to achieving these conditions.

The other options present characteristics that are typically seen as advantages of facilitated workshops. High engagement from participants is often a hallmark of successful workshops, as it enhances participation and collaboration. Successful outcomes are generally expected when the workshop is well-facilitated and focused, and comprehensive data collection can be an outcome of structured group discussions, leading to valuable insights. Therefore, hidden agendas stand out as a key disadvantage that can undermine the goals of a facilitated workshop.