Collaboration, Communication & Coordination
A short exercise to warm up cross-functional sprint teams.
Attributed to Lars Lin Villebaek
What it is
The Collaboration, Communication & Coordination exercise is an activity for three or more participants. Each individual holds a string attached to a single marker, which is positioned over a piece of paper secured to a board. The team works together to maneuver the marker by pulling their strings, with the objective of creating a drawing or written message on the paper through synchronized movements. Before starting, participants decide what they intend to create. The exercise highlights the necessity of clear communication, as participants must provide effective instructions and feedback to coordinate their actions. It also emphasizes collaboration, demonstrating how each individual's actions contribute to the overall outcome. Successful completion requires precise coordination of movements to guide the marker, fostering teamwork and adaptable problem-solving as participants adjust strategies in response to real-time feedback and challenges.
When to use it
- Warming up cross-functional sprint teams.
- Initiating an idea generation sprint.
- Fostering team cohesion and interaction.
- Highlighting the importance of clear communication in team tasks.
- Practicing coordinated effort in a low-stakes environment.
- Setting a collaborative tone for a workshop or project start.
How to use it
- 1
Assemble Materials
- 2
Set Up the Station
- 3
Distribute Strings
- 4
Define the Goal
- 5
Begin Drawing
- 6
Communicate and Coordinate
- 7
Adapt and Problem-Solve
- 8
Reflect (Optional)
Key concepts
Communication
The exchange of information and ideas among team members, crucial for coordinating actions and intentions.
Collaboration
The process of working together to achieve a shared goal, where individual efforts contribute to a collective outcome.
Coordination
The synchronization and integration of movements or actions to produce a harmonious and effective result.
Problem-Solving
The process of identifying and resolving challenges or obstacles encountered during the activity.
Adaptability
The ability to adjust strategies and approaches based on real-time feedback and changing circumstances.
Teamwork
The combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient.
Shared Goal
A common objective that all team members are working towards, providing a unified purpose.
Common pitfalls
- Lack of clear communication leading to misaligned efforts.
- Individuals attempting to control the marker independently without coordinating with others.
- Not agreeing on a clear objective before starting the drawing.
- Frustration due to initial difficulties in coordinating movements, without adapting strategy.
- Failure to provide constructive feedback or adjust based on real-time observations.
- Over-complicating the drawing, making coordination excessively difficult.
Further reading
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