open · Team Building · 15–60 min · 2-40 people · medium energy
Spectrums
Spectrums is a versatile activity where participants position themselves along a defined scale based on a specific criterion. It's effective for quickly gauging group sentiment, promoting self-awareness, and sparking discussions on diverse perspectives.
When to use Spectrums
Use this method to quickly assess the group's alignment on a topic, encourage team bonding, or introduce a new subject by highlighting different viewpoints.
What it solves
Lack of understanding of team member perspectives, superficial discussions, difficulty in surfacing diverse opinions.
How to run Spectrums, step by step
- Introduce the concept of Spectrums and its purpose. (2 minutes)
- Present the chosen spectrum (e.g., Introvert-Extrovert). Clearly define the endpoints. (3 minutes)
- In person: Instruct participants to physically position themselves along the spectrum. Online: Use chat or annotation features to indicate position. (5-10 minutes)
- Facilitate a debrief, inviting participants to share why they chose their position. (5-20 minutes)
- Repeat with different spectrums as needed, progressing from easier to more challenging topics. (Variable)
Materials needed
- Physical space (for in-person)
- Prepared slides with spectrum scales (for online)
- Markers or annotation tools (for online)
Facilitator tips
- Start with low-stakes spectrums to build comfort and trust.
- Encourage participants to explain their reasoning briefly, but avoid lengthy debates during the initial positioning.
Common pitfalls
- Participants feeling pressured to conform to a certain position. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers.
- Dominant voices overshadowing quieter participants. Actively solicit input from those who haven't spoken.
Variations
- Use a physical object (e.g., a ball) to represent a participant's position on the spectrum.
- Have participants write down their position and reasoning anonymously before sharing.
Running it online or hybrid
Use polling or annotation tools in virtual platforms to allow participants to indicate their position on the spectrum.
What it produces
A visual representation of the group's distribution along the spectrum, shared understanding of individual perspectives.
Origin
Adapted from Mischief Makers — source
Build a session around Spectrums
METODIC places Spectrums inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.