Dear Como
I would love to do collaborative modelling, but I am not allowed to do so because it does not fit in my job description
Oh, the classic "not in my job description" roadblock. Here's the thing, though: collaborative modelling doesn't require anyone's permission to start. It just requires a different approach—and maybe a little creative interpretation of what...
Can I tell the group their technical choice is wrong while I am facilitating?
Well, well, well. Look at you, caught in the ultimate tug-of-war between being a Zen master of neutrality and a screaming internal expert. I know the feeling. You are standing at the whiteboard, marker in hand, watching the team enthusiastically agree to build a...
How many people should I invite for a collaborative modelling sessions?
Well, well, well, isn't that a familiar feeling? You're starting on a great journey, and it's so smart to be thinking about who to bring along. Collaborative modeling is all about including as many voices as possible, especially those who can make...
I would love to do collaborative modelling, but I am not allowed to do so because it does not fit in my job description
Oh, the classic "not in my job description" roadblock. Here's the thing, though: collaborative modelling doesn't require anyone's permission to start. It...
Can I tell the group their technical choice is wrong while I am facilitating?
Well, well, well. Look at you, caught in the ultimate tug-of-war between being a Zen master of neutrality and a screaming internal expert. I know the feeling. You are standing at...
How many people should I invite for a collaborative modelling sessions?
Well, well, well, isn't that a familiar feeling? You're starting on a great journey, and it's so smart to be thinking about who to bring along. Collaborative...
My Team Clings to Their Ideas – Help!
Well, well, well, isn't that a familiar feeling? You start doing a collaborative modelling session. A place where brilliant minds come together, stickies fly, and shared...
If we leave the judging to the cats, how can we address the shadows in collaborative modelling sessions?
Well, well, well, there they are again. Those fluffy creatures of my authors that did make it to the dedication of the book… But let’s be honest, they have mastered the judging...
Why does my colleague never contradict me?
It sounds like your colleague might be dealing with a classic case of conflict avoidance. Now, don’t get me wrong—I don’t say that to be unkind. The truth is, we all have some...
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 is a very common problem, and you're wise to recognise it as a hurdle to effective collaboration. The good news is that there are...
What can I do if people keep interrupting each other?
You've hit upon a common challenge in collaborative settings, and it's admirable that you're seeking ways to address it. Interrupting can derail even the most...
My team wants to adopt any shiny new framework or tool that pops up. How can I stop this?
Ah, the untamable attraction to new shiny things. Personally, I am more drawn to actual shiny things rather than frameworks, but hey, we all got our preferences. You’re not alone...
There are people in the group who stay quiet all the time. How do I ensure they speak up?
This is a question I hear often, and it's a thoughtful one! Let me start by saying this: the goal of a collaborative session isn’t to make sure everyone speaks—it’s to...
How can I convince my company or colleagues to start doing collaborative modelling?
Getting your company on board with collaborative modeling can be tricky, but there are some clever, low-key ways to start. Try what I call “Secret Modeling,” a term from Ben...
How can I get people to fully support design decisions and feel included in the process?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone simply agreed with every decision? Sadly, that’s not how people—or teams—work. Getting buy-in on design decisions can be challenging, but it...
How can I make contributions of people in meetings more equal?
Now that would be the dream, right? Unfortunately, there always seems to be that somebody who takes up the most air time, always reacts first and occasionally adding unrelated...
Can I be both facilitator and participant during an EventStorming session?
Ah, the age-old question: Can you be both a facilitator and a participant during an EventStorming session? The short answer is yes—but tread carefully. It’s a balancing act, and...
I have this colleague who’s always taking over meetings and hijacking topics. What can I do?
Oh my, that sounds like you’re in some challenging meetings. Social dynamics are a league on their own, aren’t they? While we can't tell you why this person is showing this...
Dear Como
If you have any questions about Collaborative Software Design, let us know!
