The methods that make groups actually work.
ToP facilitation methods have equipped over a million practitioners in 50+ countries to lead meetings, build strategy, and drive real change — participatively.
ToP training works for every kind of leader.
Facilitators & Consultants
Add structured, proven methods to your facilitation practice. Work with any group, any challenge.
Explore facilitator path →Leaders & Managers
Lead your team through better decisions, more engaged meetings, and participatory planning.
See leadership courses →Nonprofits & Community Orgs
ToP methods were built for community work. Build consensus. Galvanize stakeholders. Plan together.
View org training →Government & Public Sector
Run public engagement processes and strategic planning sessions that actually stick.
Public sector info →HR & OD Professionals
Equip your internal teams with facilitation skills. Build a culture of participation from the inside.
In-house training →Not just theory. A toolkit that works.
ToP isn't a philosophy — it's a proven set of structured facilitation methods built over 50 years of real-world practice across every sector. You leave with skills you can use the very next day.
Each method is designed to move groups from scattered input to shared action — whether you're running a two-hour team meeting or a 3-day organizational strategy retreat.
Learn more about ToP →Focused Conversation Method
A four-level ORID framework (Objective → Reflective → Interpretive → Decisional) that moves any group from raw data to shared meaning and decision — in any context.
Core Method · FoundationalConsensus Workshop Method
Harnesses the wisdom in the room. A structured brainstorm → cluster → name process that builds genuine group consensus — not just agreement by exhaustion.
Core Method · FoundationalAction Planning Method
Turns decisions into accountable action. Assigns ownership, timelines, and resources participatively so people commit to what they help design.
Core Method · FoundationalFind the right course for where you are now.
Start with ToP Facilitation Methods — the foundational 2-day course that 95% of practitioners take first. Then choose your path.
ToP Facilitation Methods
Master the two core ToP facilitation methods — Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop — in an immersive 2-day hands-on workshop. The foundational course for all ToP paths.
ToP Strategic Planning
Lead a full participatory strategic planning process from environmental scanning through to implementation actions. Every participant owns the outcome they help design.
Mastering ToP (MToP)
A year-long cohort program — 4 intensive weekends, mentoring, field experience, and a personal research project. CTF certification track included.
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Showing featured courses. Browse the full catalog to filter by goal, level, format, and location.
View All 18+ CoursesWhere do you want to go from here?
Every path starts with ToP Facilitation Methods. From there, your goal shapes the route.
New to ToP
Start here — no experience needed
- ToP Facilitation Methods (start here)
- ToP Focused Conversation Method
- Action Planning Workshop
Solve a Specific Challenge
Goal-driven next courses
- ToP Strategic Planning
- Designing for Change
- Approaches to Environmental Scanning
- Radical Collaboration
Get CTF Certified
Earn the Certified ToP Facilitator credential
- CTF Core courses (5 required)
- CTF Elective courses (choose 2+)
- ToP Network membership
- CTF application & review
Become a Trainer
Teach ToP methods to others
- Earn CTF (Path 3 first)
- Trainer development program
- Join ToP Network (required)
- Apprentice → Qualified Trainer
Real people. Real results.
I came to ToP Facilitation Methods skeptical. I left with a completely different understanding of how to hold space for a group. Within two weeks I had used the Focused Conversation method three times at work.
Our strategic planning used to feel like something done to us. After ToP Strategic Planning, our team built a plan we actually owned. The buy-in was instant because everyone was in the room making it.
I've taken facilitation courses from five different providers. ToP is the only one that gave me actual structured methods — not personality-based tips. Getting my CTF was the best professional investment I've made.
Bring ToP training to your team.
ToP courses can be delivered in-house at your organization — customized to your sector, culture, and specific challenges. Our network of certified trainers delivers public and private sessions nationwide.
- Courses tailored to your organization's language, context, and goals
- Flexible scheduling — full days, multi-day intensives, or modular delivery
- Works for teams of 8 to 200+ across all sectors
- Delivered by ICA-certified ToP trainers anywhere in the US
- Option to build internal facilitation capacity over time
Connect with the ToP Network.
The ToP Network (top-network.org) is the peer community for ToP practitioners — the professional home for everyone who uses, teaches, and advances ToP methods. Membership connects you with practitioners worldwide, supports CTF certification, and is required for all Apprentice and Qualified Trainers.
Whether you're just starting your ToP journey or are a veteran trainer, the ToP Network is where you stay connected, stay current, and stay accountable to the community.
ToP Network
The association that supports ToP practitioners — from first-time facilitators to veteran trainers. Your professional community for methods, resources, and connection.