Shared Problem Definition Role-Play

When to use Shared Problem Definition Role-Play

Use this method when a team is struggling to align on the core issues of a complex project, especially when diverse stakeholders are involved with potentially conflicting priorities.

What it solves

Conflicting stakeholder priorities, lack of shared understanding, siloed thinking.

How to run Shared Problem Definition Role-Play, step by step

1. Preparation (2 days prior): Assign roles representing different stakeholders. Provide background materials and guiding questions to help participants understand their assigned perspective. Collect short assignments to ensure preparation.
2. Instructions (10 mins): Explain the activity's purpose and process. Review the rules of role-playing: ask open questions, provide arguments, focus on possibilities, avoid immediate solutions, and be respectful.
3. Understanding Diverse Perspectives (90 mins): Conduct the role-play. Begin with introductions (15 mins). Inventory each organization's tasks and objectives, noting them on a flip chart (30 mins). Discuss the core problem from each perspective, again noting on a flip chart (30 mins). Reflect on how knowledge of perspectives was obtained (15 mins).
4. Integration of Diverse Perspectives (75 mins): Identify commonalities, differences, and interfaces between problem definitions, listing them on a flip chart (30 mins). Formulate a joint problem definition based on commonalities and interfaces, writing it down (15 mins).
5. Reflection (15 mins): Each participant reflects on the role-play, the integration process, and their insights. Use reflective questions to guide the self-assessment.

Materials needed

• Pre-assigned roles with background information
• Flip charts or whiteboards
• Markers
• Reflective questions (printed or digital)
• Timer

Facilitator tips

• Ensure participants are well-prepared for their roles to maximize the effectiveness of the role-play.
• Encourage active listening and clarifying questions during the role-play.
• Remind participants to stay in character and represent their assigned perspective authentically.

Common pitfalls

• Participants not fully embracing their roles: Emphasize the importance of preparation and encourage them to research their assigned perspective.
• Dominant personalities overshadowing others: Facilitate equal participation by actively soliciting input from all participants.
• Focusing on solutions before fully understanding the problem: Remind participants to prioritize understanding diverse perspectives before jumping to solutions.

Variations

• Engage students in shaping the roles themselves to increase engagement.
• Assign observation roles to some participants to provide feedback on the role-play process.
• Use real-world case studies as the basis for the role-play scenarios.

Running it online or hybrid

Use breakout rooms for role-playing and shared digital whiteboards (Miro, Mural) for capturing perspectives and problem definitions.

What it produces

A collaboratively defined problem statement that integrates diverse perspectives and identifies common ground.

Origin

Adapted from Transition Makers Toolbox — source

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