Timing:
30-45 minutes (depending on the complexity, emotion, or controversy around the topic)
Materials:
None
Instructions:
- This is typically used in retrospectives but could be used by teams to critique or evaluate potential options at any time.
- Split the group into two even-sized sub-groups
- One of the sub-groups has the task of making the case for either:
- (i) why the option in front of them is the worst thing possible; or
- (ii) the situation they find themselves in will be the death of the team; or
- (ii) why this specific solution is the best solution to the problem
- The other sub-group has the task of making the case for either:
- (i) why the option in front of them is the best thing possible; or
- (ii) the situation they find themselves in will be the making of the team; or
- (ii) why this other specific solution is the best solution to the problem
- After 10 minutes or so to prepare their cases, the two sides have a debate, with important points being captured and then discussed as one team
Learning Points:
- One group looking for all the “yes, and…” viewpoints and one group looking for all the “yes, but…” viewpoints gives a balance between optimism and risk management
- This is a fairly fun way for a team to evaluate their options
Variations:
- When splitting the group into two sub-groups, allocate the role of neutral observer to one or two people
- After the teams have made their initial arguments, the teams then swap and have to “defeat” their own arguments
This exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Paul Goddard
