This exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Paul Goddard

Timing:

30-45 minutes (depending upon the complexity, emotion or controversy around the topic)

Materials:

None

Instructions:

  1. This is typically used in retrospectives but could be used by teams to critique or evaluate potential options at any time.
  2. Split the group into two even-sized sub-groups
  3. 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 will be the death of the team; or
    • (ii) why this specific solution is the best solution to the problem
  4. 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 will be the making of the team; or
    • (ii) why this other specific solution is the best solution to the problem
  5. 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:

  1. When splitting the group into two sub-groups, allocate the role of neutral observer to one or two people
  2. After the teams have made their initial arguments, the teams then swap and have to “defeat” their own arguments