
Questions and answers
Dear CoMo
Somebody writes in with a question about a room that is not working. CoMo, short for collaborative modelling, writes back. No framework to adopt and no maturity model to climb. Just what is actually happening between the people in the session, and what you can do about it on Monday.
I would love to do collaborative modelling, but I am not allowed to do so because it does not fit in my job description
Job description blocking collaborative modelling? Learn Secret and Guerrilla Modelling to start collaborating visually, prove its value, and grow your influence.
Can I tell the group their technical choice is wrong while I am facilitating?
Struggling to stay neutral when the team is making a mistake? CoMo explains how to use the "Hat Switch" to share expertise without breaking facilitation.
How many people should I invite for a collaborative modelling sessions?
Worried about how many people to invite to your collaborative modeling session? Dear CoMo explains the sweet spot for group size, from discovery to decision-making, to ensure your team's success.
My Team Clings to Their Ideas – Help!
Is your team clinging to their own ideas in collaborative modelling sessions? Discover how the Endowment Effect impacts teamwork and learn strategies to encourage objective evaluation for better solutions.
If we leave the judging to the cats, how can we address the shadows in collaborative modelling sessions?
Stop judging like a cat! Practical tips for facilitators to handle difficult behaviours & underlying 'shadows' in workshops through objective pattern recognition.
Why does my colleague never contradict me?
Wondering why a colleague never contradicts you? It might be conflict avoidance. Understand the roots of this behavior and learn how to create a safer space for disagreement.
Why do we often find that people in our team use the same words but seem to mean different things, leading to confusion?
Ambiguous language in team discussions can impede collaboration. Learn effective strategies to foster a shared vocabulary and enhance communication among your team.
What can I do if people keep interrupting each other?
Are interruptions derailing your meetings? Learn how to address individual interrupters and systemic interruption patterns with proven strategies like crucial conversations and Deep Democracy. Get your team back on track!
My team wants to adopt any shiny new framework or tool that pops up. How can I stop this?
Discover various cognitive bias in software design. Learn how the bandwagon effect can influence behavior, choices, and software design. Dive deeper with our book.
There are people in the group who stay quiet all the time. How do I ensure they speak up?
Not everyone feels ready to speak up in group sessions. Learn practical strategies to create an inclusive environment that encourages everyone to share ideas, even the quieter voices.
Can I be both facilitator and participant during an EventStorming session?
Wondering if you can be both a facilitator and a participant during an EventStorming session? Learn the challenges, tips, and best practices for balancing these roles effectively in high-stakes and large-group sessions.
How can I convince my company or colleagues to start doing collaborative modelling?
Struggling to get your company on board with collaborative modeling? Discover effective, stealthy strategies like Secret Modeling and Guerilla Modeling to introduce the concept and win over your colleagues effortlessly. Find out how to make collaborative modeling a success in your workplace!
How can I make contributions of people in meetings more equal?
Are meetings often dominated by a few voices? Learn how to create a balanced environment where everyone has the opportunity to share ideas, regardless of their rank. Discover practical steps to equalize contributions and leverage the full wisdom of your group.
How can I get people to fully support design decisions and feel included in the process?
Learn how to get buy-in for design decisions through clarity, inclusion, and transparent processes. Discover strategies to ensure everyone feels heard and respected.
I have this colleague who’s always taking over meetings and hijacking topics. What can I do?
Discover insights into hijacking behavior in meetings. Learn to identify patterns, motivations, and how to influence positive change in group dynamics. Dive deeper with our book.
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Contact
Get in touch
Any question about Collaborative Software Design, or want to book a training or consulting? We would love to hear from you.
Or write to info@collaborative-software-design.com.

