Map the Uncertainties
This activity helps participants identify and categorize uncertainties related to a specific challenge. By mapping these uncertainties, participants gain a clearer understanding of the unknowns and potential risks.
Use this activity when a team is facing a complex challenge with many unknowns to help them identify and prioritize areas for further investigation or planning.
Solves: Lack of clarity about the uncertainties surrounding a challenge; difficulty prioritizing areas for further investigation.
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Step 1: Introduce the challenge and the purpose of mapping uncertainties. (2 mins)
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Step 2: Provide participants with the Uncertainty Map template or a blank canvas. (1 min)
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Step 3: Ask participants to individually brainstorm uncertainties related to the challenge, responding to prompts like 'What don't I know?', 'What is unpredictable?', and 'What conflicting information have I heard?'. (5 mins)
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Step 4: Share and discuss the identified uncertainties, placing them on the map. (2 mins)
- Encourage participants to be specific and detailed in their identification of uncertainties.
- Use different colored sticky notes for each team member to track individual contributions.
- Use different frameworks for categorizing uncertainties.
- Conduct the activity in small groups followed by a whole-group share.