Questions and Assumptions
When the stakes are high, it’s crucial to clarify what we know and what we assume. This activity helps teams live in reality and clarify what you know, what’s uncertain, and what you need to know. This will help you reduce risks and validate your direction, especially during turbulent times.
Example Scenario: In times of rapid change, identify assumptions about program delivery that need to be revisited.
Instructions:
Set up the grid:
Draw a large two-by-two grid on a whiteboard or large sheet of paper. Label the top row “High-Risk” and “Low-Risk.” Label the columns “Certain” and “Uncertain.”
Brainstorm assumptions and questions:
Have each person write down individual assumptions or questions related to the situation, one per sticky note.
Place items on the grid:
Together, review each sticky note and place it on the grid based on your assessment of the risk (high or low) and your certainty about it (certain or uncertain).
Discuss and prioritize:
Discuss the placement of each note and adjust as needed. Pay close attention to items in the “High-Risk/Uncertain” quadrant. These need further investigation and validation.
Notes:
Use different colored sticky notes for different categories of assumptions/questions (e.g., participant-related, contingent on funding, etc.).
Allocate time afterwards to create a plan for how to address the high-risk uncertainties. www.olio