We started this exercise with some warm up questions (see the 36 questions to fall in love post, first set). I like folks to ease into questions, especially ones that take energy and thought.
This process is well known, and I’ve done this exercise with teams big and small. I think this exercise is great for relationships, organizations, projects, etc. We can, from time to time, go into autopilot, and this exercise gives us the opportunity pause the presses and evaluate where we are. Please be mindful about this exercise being one that requires community agreements and grace, space, and pace. Keep those who are introverts aware of what’s happening, but thoughtful about how you introduce the work and facilitate discussion (there will be a lot). I like using sticky notes for this exercise and a large wall. You can replicate it with a piece of paper. Very low tech.
I always set the stage and set up community agreements, and inform folks about sharing and what that means in this space. Next agree on what you want to study, that is, select your topic. Let’s use two examples: A project team and a friendship. Now on your sticky notes, start populating, one task for note. Ask yourself:
What tasks do you do related to this topic?
What tasks do you think should be done related to this topic but aren’t being done?
What ideas do you have about this topic?
When it appears folks have stopped making notes, it’s time to divide up our notes.
Create three colums on your wall/piece of paper:
Start Column: it’s not being done at all or enough right now.
Stop Column: it’s not productive or effective.
Continue Column: should be continued or enhanced. These are tasks that are working well.
Place your sticky notes on each of the columns. Yes, you can have notes that straddle two spaces. Those are ones you’ll want to delve into and spend some time chopping up. Read through the notes when you finish and from there, find your insights. Again, communication is super important when it comes to doing this with a team (or a partner).
The nature of change is that, well, we are always changing. It’s important to pause and take the time to evaluate where we are and check in with what our desired states are. Don’t let your projects/life/loves go unchecked - going on autopilot can be harmful in many ways, so let’s reflect on where we’ve been, where we want to go, and let’s go!