Are your collaborative modeling sessions often dominated by a few voices? Do you notice that some individuals are consistently believed more than others, or that decisions face unspoken resistance later on? This 3-hour online class dives into the heart of these group interactions by exploring power dynamics, including the powerful, and often unconscious, influence of ranking.
Gain a model to understand why people behave the way they do in group settings when decisions are made. You’ll learn why visible (and invisible) power dynamics lead to some talking, some staying silent, and why resistance emerges.
About the workshop
Strong collaboration and the integration of all available knowledge are essential for effective software design and decision-making. However, subtle social and power dynamics can significantly affect group interactions, the flow of ideas, and ultimately, the success of the software product. Understanding how power dynamics, including both conscious and unconscious rank, shape participation and determine whose contributions are valued and heard, is crucial for anyone involved in group decision-making processes. This workshop provides a fundamental understanding of theories that explain these power dynamics, such as ranking theory, offering a fresh perspective for observing and interpreting team interactions. By acknowledging these influences and acquiring tactics to navigate and lessen their negative impact, you can cultivate more balanced, inclusive, and ultimately more successful collaborative design processes.
What you will learn
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Understanding Social & Power Dynamics: Explore the role of power dynamics, and theories like ranking, in group decision-making.
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The Influence of Power Dynamics on Decisions: Analyze how power dynamics, including status and ranking, affect the effectiveness and long-term viability of design choices.
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Revealing Hidden Power Dynamics: Learn to identify how both conscious and unconscious power dynamics, such as those derived from rank, influence participation and decision outcomes.
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Strategies for Inclusive Participation: Discover methods to mitigate the negative effects of skewed power dynamics (informed by understanding concepts like ranking) and ensure diverse perspectives are heard in decision processes.
Before the workshop
To ensure a smooth and interactive online experience, we may use a digital whiteboard platform for any collaborative exercises. Details and links to any preparatory materials or platform introductions will be provided before the workshop begins, ensuring you are comfortable and ready to participate fully.
Audience
This 3.5-hour online workshop is designed for anyone involved in team-based decision-making and software creation who wants to influence group dynamics and achieve better outcomes. It’s especially beneficial for:
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Engineering Managers & Scrum Masters
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Tech Leads, Staff+ Engineers, and Senior Software Engineers
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Software, Solution, Domain & Enterprise Architects
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Product Managers & Owners
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Business Analysts & Quality Assurance Professionals
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Anyone looking to enhance their software design process through improved facilitation skills.
