What I Need From You
Timing (mins)
Participants
What does this enable?
It helps people in different roles and departments improve how they ask for and offer support. Misunderstandings or biases built up over time can be cleared up as participants share what they need to succeed. This brings clarity, honesty, and teamwork across the group, breaking down silos and encouraging collaboration—kind of like piecing Humpty Dumpty back together!
Why use this?
- Improve communication within and across teams.
- Clearly articulate and respond to requests.
- Break down silos and rebuild trust.
- Eliminate misunderstandings, rumours, or preconceptions.
- Create accountability and transparency.
- Surface all challenges in one discussion.
Tips for success
- Stick to the short response options: “yes,” “no,” “I’ll try,” or “whatever.”
- Remind participants that “whatever” means the request wasn’t clear enough.
- Keep things safe, light, and fun—some drama is fine!
- Limit to 7 groups for better clarity.
- Use the debrief to highlight how making clear requests can replace complaints.
Examples of use
- Global teams needing fast decision-making.
- Executives aligning on strategic goals.
- Organisation promoting teamwork for customer care.
- Strengthening one-on-one collaborations.
How does it work?
Start with an Invitation Invite participants to share what they need from others to reach a shared goal. Encourage them to give clear, direct responses to others’ requests.
Arrange the Space Use a large room with separate areas for 3–7 groups (functional clusters). Arrange chairs in circles of 3–7 people. No tables! Provide paper for notes.
Who Does What?
- Every participant belongs to their functional cluster.
- Everyone has a fair chance to share and contribute.
Group Setup
- Each cluster works together (no limits on size).
- One spokesperson represents each cluster.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Clarify the goal and emphasise clear requests and short responses like “yes,” “no,” or “I’ll try.” Each cluster sits in its section: 3 minutes.
- Using the “1-2-4-All” method, each group lists its top two requests from others. Requests are framed as: “What I need from you is __.” Write these down and choose a spokesperson: 5–15 minutes.
- Spokespeople take turns sharing their groups’ two requests. No responses yet, just note them down: 15 minutes.
- Spokespeople respond to each request with “yes,” “no,” “I’ll try,” or “whatever.”: 5–10 minutes.
- Each spokesperson repeats the requests made to their group and provides their responses—no discussions or explanations: 10 minutes.
- Wrap up with reflections using the questions: “What happened? Why does it matter? What’s next?”:
15 minutes.
