Getting your company on board with collaborative modeling can be tricky, but there are some clever, low-key ways to start.
Try what I call “Secret Modeling,” a term from Ben Monsoir (check out learningwardleymapping.com). Here’s the idea: you’re in a meeting that really needs some visual structure, but you don’t have the authority to run a full-blown modeling session. No problem. Quietly pull out a notebook or a small whiteboard and start sketching the conversation for your own understanding. If it’s a virtual meeting, Miro or a similar tool works great. Why do this? Because seeing the discussion visually lets you ask sharper, more insightful questions. You’ll soon be that person in the room who just gets it. As Simon Wardley says, it’s like playing chess with a board while everyone else is playing blindfolded.
If you’re feeling a bit braver, try “Guerilla Modeling.” This one’s more visible but still casual. When a conversation about a complex problem starts going in circles, head to a whiteboard or flipchart and begin mapping things out. Make a few “accidental” mistakes to get people interested, or act like you’re the “dumbest person in the room” so others will jump in to correct you. Before long, someone will step up to challenge or explain things better, and that’s your chance to either draw what they’re describing or hand them the marker. People are drawn in naturally, and social norms will kick in, making others want to contribute. If they’re still hanging back, start inviting them over. And hey, always have some Post-its and markers in your backpack for this exact situation—I do!
These methods are great for showing the benefits of collaborative modeling without needing anyone’s permission. As people see how effective it is, they’ll become more open to official sessions. And make sure to share your successes to keep building momentum.
Keep modeling, keep asking those sharp questions, and watch your influence grow. Want to dig deeper? Chapter 4 of our book has all the details!
XoXo, CoMo
