Strategy

Straw Poll

Team members vote for their favorite solution using a large dot sticker. This reveals team preferences before the Decider makes the final choice.

Duration
10 mins
Group Size
5-8
Category
Strategy
Difficulty
Easy
The team will:

  • Surface team preferences.

  • Give everyone a voice.

  • Help the Decider understand team thinking.

  • Create decision transparency.

The team will complete a straw poll, get a quick temperature check, and identify early alignment.
Clarify: This isn't the final decision, but input for the Decider. Prevent pressuring the Decider to just follow the vote. They should consider the team's wisdom, strategic factors, risk tolerance, resources, and gut instinct. If your sketch gets no votes, don't take it personally; ideas still contribute, and elements might be incorporated. Patterns include unanimous support, a close split, or every sketch getting one vote (challenging for the Decider).

  1. Setup (2 minutes): Display all solution sketches. Give each team member (except the Decider) one large dot sticker. This is a non-binding vote.

  2. Voting (3 minutes): Each person places a dot on their favorite solution, silently. Consider the sketch's target and feasibility for prototyping/testing. Voting for your own sketch is allowed.

  3. Review (5 minutes): Observe the results. Notice which sketches received votes. The Decider observes but doesn't vote yet. No discussion now; that's for the final decision.


Multiple votes on a sketch show strong alignment. Spread-out votes suggest value in different approaches. No votes may signal team concerns. The Decider isn't bound by this vote but should consider it.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • Large dot stickers (different color/size from heat map dots).

  • One dot per team member (except the Decider).

  • Solution sketches displayed on a wall.

Unlock Materials Required

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  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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