What I Need From You (WINFY)
WINFY helps cross-functional teams clarify their dependencies and make explicit requests for support, fostering transparency and collaboration. By structuring the exchange of needs and responses, it bridges silos and reduces misunderstandings.
Use WINFY when teams are struggling with cross-functional collaboration, experiencing communication breakdowns, or need to align on shared goals and dependencies.
Solves: Siloed thinking, lack of clarity on dependencies, unspoken needs, cross-functional conflict
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Step 1: Explain the process and reiterate the goal. Emphasize the need for clear and specific requests. 3 min.
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Step 2: Divide participants into functional clusters and instruct them to use 1-2-4-All to identify their top two needs from each of the other functions, framing them as requests. 5-15 min.
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Step 3: Have each cluster select a spokesperson. Spokespersons gather in a circle and, one by one, state their two needs to each of the other spokespersons, who take notes. 15 min.
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Step 4: Spokespersons individually (or with their cluster) write down one of four responses to each request: yes, no, I will try, or whatever. 5-10 min.
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Step 5: Going around the circle, each spokesperson repeats the requests made by others and shares their responses (yes, no, I will try, or whatever). No discussion or elaboration allowed. 10 min.
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Step 6: Debrief using What, So What, Now What?. 15 min.
- Strictly enforce the 'no immediate response' and 'only allowed responses' rules.
- Encourage participants to ask for what they truly need to be successful.
- Use question-and-response cards to help groups sharpen how they express their requests.
- Consider a second round if too much appears unresolved or unclear.
- Replace the response option 'I will try' with 'Huh?' to force deeper understanding and direct action.
- Use with individuals instead of functional clusters.