explore · Process Improvement, Problem Solving, Strategy · 60–120 min · 2-10 people · medium energy

Staple Yourself To Something

Staple Yourself To Something helps teams visualize and understand a process by following a specific object through its lifecycle. This method creates a shared, visual narrative of the process, highlighting areas for improvement and education.

When to use Staple Yourself To Something

Use this method when a team needs to document a process, simplify an overly complex process, or identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their workflow.

What it solves

Lack of documented processes, overly complex processes, unclear roles and responsibilities, process inefficiencies.

How to run Staple Yourself To Something, step by step

  1. Introduce the exercise and define the 'object' to be tracked (e.g., a product, a ticket, an idea). (5 minutes)
  2. Write down the agreed-upon start and end points of the process on a whiteboard. (5 minutes)
  3. Brainstorm and list the major steps involved in the process between the start and end points. (15 minutes)
  4. Prioritize and refine the list of steps, aiming for approximately seven key steps for a high-level overview. (10 minutes)
  5. Determine the vital information to capture for each step (e.g., people involved, actions taken, time elapsed). (10 minutes)
  6. Collaboratively draw the process flow, visually representing each step and capturing the relevant information. Use stick figures, arrows, and concise notes. (45-60 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or virtual whiteboard
  • Markers or digital pens
  • Sticky notes (optional)
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage visual representation over lengthy descriptions.
  • Actively manage the flow to prevent branching into unrelated topics; note these for later discussion.
  • Use a 'ticking clock' to simulate time constraints and maintain momentum.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants drifting between the current state and desired future state. Clarify which state is being captured at the outset.
  • One person dominating the storytelling. Encourage diverse perspectives and active listening.

Variations

  • Focus on a specific problem area within the process.
  • Use different colored markers to represent different types of information (e.g., people, systems, data).

Running it online or hybrid

Use a virtual whiteboard like Miro or Mural to collaboratively map the process flow. Ensure participants can easily add and manipulate elements on the board.

What it produces

A visual map of the process flow, highlighting key steps, actors, and information flow.

Origin

Based on work by James Macanufo — source

Build a session around Staple Yourself To Something

METODIC places Staple Yourself To Something inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Staple Yourself To Something · Try METODIC free