Well, well, well, isn't that a familiar feeling? You start doing a collaborative modelling session. A place where brilliant minds come together, stickies fly, and shared understanding should blossom. Yet, sometimes, you notice a subtle shift. Someone puts a sticky note on the wall or presents a diagram, and suddenly, that little piece of work seems to acquire a certain shine. It’s their idea, their model and design, and even when constructive criticism arrives, it’s defended with a passion that feels… disproportionate.
You’re seeing a common human tendency play out. Behavioural scientists have observed something called the Endowment Effect. Simply put, we tend to overvalue things merely because we own them. Think about selling something you've had for a while – you'll often ask for more than someone else is willing to pay, because your ownership has inflated its perceived worth to you. In collaborative modelling, this doesn't just apply to physical items, but to the ideas and models we create ourselves. We become endowed with our contributions, and suddenly, they seem objectively better than anyone else's, making it hard to let go or see their flaws clearly. This can stifle creativity and prevent the team from finding the best solution, not just the one someone feels attached to.
So, how can we navigate this sticky situation and encourage the team to evaluate ideas on their merit, rather than their ownership?
- Ground Decisions in Analysis: When discussing different modelling approaches or proposed solutions, make it a practice to refer back to the problem that has to be solved. Ask: What do the requirements, the acceptance scenarios, or the results of critical evaluation tell us? This helps shift the focus from "my idea is best because I made it" to "which idea is best supported by the problem?"
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Remind the team that a good model often needs to capture different facets of reality. Does the proposed idea balance the measurable, quantitative requirements with the more qualitative aspects, like preferences or symbols of a culture? By ensuring decisions consider a range of inputs, you naturally dilute the singular focus on one person's cherished contribution and encourage a more holistic evaluation.
- There is no best collaborative modelling tool: Sometimes, attachment stems from comfort or familiarity with a particular way of working or presenting an idea. Educate the team on the benefits and limitations of the modelling tools and techniques you are using. Understanding that no tool is perfect, and each has its strengths and weaknesses, can foster humility and openness to alternative approaches, regardless of who proposed them.
Ultimately, fostering a culture where ideas are hypotheses to be tested and refined, rather than personal treasures, is key. It takes conscious effort to detach from our creations, but by focusing on objective criteria and diverse inputs, you can help the team build the best model together.
XoXo CoMo
