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Workshop Framework

Agreement-Certainty Matrix

The Agreement-Certainty Matrix is a sorting exercise that helps groups categorise their challenges into four domains: simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic. The result is a visual landscape that shows the group whether they are using the right approaches for the right problems, and where mismatches are causing frustration or wasted effort.

60 minutes
4-40 people
intermediate
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✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants

Agreement-Certainty Matrix illustration
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What You'll Achieve with the Agreement-Certainty Matrix Workshop

Real outcomes that transform your team

1

Participants gain clarity on the nature of their challenges, leading to more effective problem-solving.

2

The workshop fosters improved communication and collaboration within teams.

3

When to Use the Agreement-Certainty Matrix Workshop

Perfect for these situations and team challenges

When a team is stuck in 'analysis paralysis' and needs to identify the nature of their challenges.

For leaders facing complex issues that don't respond to traditional problem-solving methods.

How the Agreement-Certainty Matrix Workshop Works

A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process

1Step 1: Introduce the Framework

In this step, participants are provided a brief overview of the Agreement-Certainty Matrix, explaining the two axes of Agreement and Certainty. The facilitator introduces the four domains and their implications, setting the stage for the exercise.

2Step 2: Individual Challenge Listing

Participants independently write down their challenges on sticky notes, ensuring each note reflects a specific issue that consumes their time. This step ensures diverse perspectives are collected without group influence.

3Step 3: Individual Matrix Placement

Each participant assesses their challenges and places them on their individual matrix based on the levels of agreement and certainty. This encourages personal reflection and honest assessment.

4

Key Topics Covered in the Agreement-Certainty Matrix Workshop

agreement-certainty matrixcomplexityproblem-solvingteam challengescollaborationframeworkfacilitation

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Teams identify mismatches between challenges and approaches, reducing frustration and wasted effort.

4

Participants develop a shared language for discussing complexity and uncertainty.

During the launch of a change programme to select appropriate methods for different workstreams.

When a department wants to categorize its project portfolio to match approaches with challenges.

At the start of a strategy session to align understanding of challenges before seeking solutions.

Team Problems the Agreement-Certainty Matrix Workshop Solves

Say goodbye to these common team challenges

Addressing mismatches between the nature of challenges and the approaches used to tackle them.

Helping teams move from indecision to actionable insights.

Reducing frustration caused by applying the same solution to different types of problems.

Enabling leaders to better navigate complex and chaotic challenges effectively.

Step 4: Pair Discussion

Participants pair up to compare their matrices, discussing where they agree and where they see differences. This step helps surface varying perspectives and enhances understanding of the challenges.

5Step 5: Small Group Discussion

Groups of participants analyze their matrices together, identifying patterns and mismatches. They delve deeper into the implications of their placements, fostering collaborative insights.

6Step 6: Wall Posting

Participants post their sticky notes on a large wall matrix, creating a collective visual representation of the group's challenges. This step energizes the group and solidifies their shared understanding.

7Step 7: Pattern Recognition

The group steps back to observe the full display of challenges, discussing visible patterns and mismatches. This final reflection helps identify key areas for action and insight into their collective challenges.

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