4 Qs - Converge to Catalyze

Quintessential Thought

We’re continuing in our series about facilitation, walking through the four phases of a collaborative conversation.

After the alignment of the first phase, Context and Diverging, it’s time to Converge as we navigate toward a decision.

We suspended judgment of ideas in the Diverge phase; we need to bring it back in the Converge phase, narrowing down the options.

If we jump into convergence too soon, we risk shutting down the free flow of creative ideas from the Diverge phase. Yet, if we never shift to Converge, we won’t make a decision, try an action, learn, and make progress. Observing and sensing the best moment to make the shift is part of your role as a facilitator.

Here are some practical ideas for facilitating the convergence phase:

• Dot voting

• Focus mapping, mapping the value and feasibility of the ideas

• 35 game

• 25/10 crowd sourcing

• Min specs

In the end, the team will often discover a simple next step is the most effective one, as it enables quick action and a short learning loop.

With these tools in your facilitator's toolkit, you're well-equipped to guide your next collaborative session through the converge phase. By thoughtfully applying these methods, you'll empower your team to not only choose the best path forward but also to be invested in its success.

In our next newsletter, we'll delve into the final stage: Action.

Quotes

"When you have too many top priorities, you have no top priorities." - Stephen Covey

"If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both." - Russian Proverb

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci

Quick Step

Using one of the convergence techniques above, guide a team to narrow their options while making a decision.

Question

Think of a time when have you experienced an excellent convergent conversation. What made it so effective?

Professional Scrum Product Owner, Mar 31 - Apr3

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