Impact Filter

What participants gain

• Participants will be able to analyze the impact of specific incidents on team performance and well-being.
• Participants will be able to identify the contributing factors and root causes of these incidents.
• Participants will develop a systems thinking perspective and understand how different factors are interconnected.

Materials needed

• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• Post-it notes (various colors)
• Templates for each incident (Impact, Contributing Factors, Root Causes)
• Timer app

How to run Impact Filter, step by step

1. Introduce the activity and its purpose: to analyze the impact and root causes of the identified incidents (5 min).
2. For each incident, collaboratively discuss its impact on team performance, individual well-being, and project outcomes (15 min).
3. Identify the contributing factors and root causes using a structured approach (15 min).
4. Document the findings on a whiteboard or flip chart (5 min).
5. Summarize the key insights and identify common themes or patterns (5 min).
6. Ensure all members are listened to and provide space for all contributions.
7. Encourage active listening during the session.
8. Encourage the team to be as open and honest as possible to make the session as fruitful as possible.
9. Ensure all members have access to the collective timeline after the session.

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to focus on the 'why' behind each incident, rather than simply describing what happened.
• Use probing questions to help the team dig deeper and identify the underlying root causes.
• Remind participants to consider both the immediate and long-term impacts of each incident.
• Use a whiteboard or flip chart to visually map the relationships between incidents, impacts, and contributing factors.
• Ensure that all perspectives are heard and valued by actively soliciting input from quieter members of the team.

Common challenges

• Participants struggle to identify the root causes: Provide examples and guiding questions to help them dig deeper.
• The discussion becomes dominated by a few individuals: Use a talking stick or round-robin approach to ensure equal participation.
• Participants get defensive or blame others: Remind them to focus on understanding the system, not assigning blame.
• The analysis becomes overwhelming: Break the process into smaller chunks and focus on the most impactful incidents first.

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard with pre-defined templates for each incident, allowing participants to collaboratively fill in the impact and contributing factors. Utilize breakout rooms for smaller group discussions and then bring everyone back to the main room to share their findings.

Expected results

A clear understanding of the impact of each incident, a list of contributing factors and root causes, and a shared awareness of the systemic issues that need to be addressed.

Build a session around Impact Filter

METODIC drops Impact Filter into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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