converge · Decision Making, Strategy, Planning · 35–50 min · Any size, in groups of 4-7 · medium energy
Min Specs
Groups first list every must-do and must-not-do they think is needed to reach a purpose. Then they test each one: if we broke this rule, could we still achieve the purpose? Anything that fails the test is cut. What survives is the short list of rules that really matter, which leaves more room for people to act on their own judgment.
When to use Min Specs
Use when a team is buried in rules or requirements and needs to agree on the few that are truly essential.
What it solves
Every new initiative comes with a thick rulebook, so people stop thinking and start ticking boxes.
How to run Min Specs, step by step
- Make the purpose crystal clear and write it where everyone can see it (1 min).
- Individually, list every must-do and must-not-do you can think of (1 min).
- In groups of 4-7, combine the lists into one long list of max specs (6 min).
- Test each spec: if we violated it, could we still achieve the purpose? Cut every spec that fails (15 min).
- Optionally, test the remaining list a second time (10 min).
- Groups share their min specs and the whole room agrees a final list (15 min).
- Reflect on how to put the min specs into practice (2 min).
Materials needed
- Paper and pens
- Flip chart per group
- The purpose written large
Facilitator tips
- Push hard on the elimination. Celebrate how many specs get cut.
- Invite people who do the work, not only those who write the rules.
- A vague purpose makes the test impossible. Sharpen it first.
Common pitfalls
- Groups keep specs because they are good ideas, not because they are essential.
- Skipping the individual step, so the loudest person writes the list.
Variations
- Use for a team's working agreements or for the requirements of a new project.
Running it online or hybrid
Works well online: groups list max specs in the chat or a shared document, then test them in breakout rooms.
What it produces
A short list of minimum specifications: the few must-dos and must-not-dos needed to achieve the purpose.
Origin
A Liberating Structure by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. — source
Build a session around Min Specs
METODIC places Min Specs inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.