# Give-and-Take Matrix Participants plot key system actors along both axes of a grid, define internal motivations along the diagonal, and chart direct handoffs in each intersecting cell. **Time:** 60 minutes. Source states 1 hour or more. 60 minutes allows a team to map 4 to 6 actors and analyze the results. **People:** 4 to 24. Whole group together for up to 8 people; parallel tables of 4 to 6 people for 9 to 24 people. ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Map directional exchanges and identify gaps or imbalances in value flow between actors in a shared system. **Use it when:** Use when multiple departments, roles, or organizations collaborate on a shared project and need to clarify expectations and handoffs. **Skip it when:** Skip when the focus is single-person task planning or when participants do not know enough about the roles to describe their needs. ## Materials and tools - Scratch paper for brainstorming - 1 large poster grid (or whiteboard) per subgroup of 4 to 6 people - 2 pads of 3x3 inch sticky notes per subgroup (two distinct colors) - 1 fine-tip marker per person - 1 shared digital whiteboard platform with pre-drawn matrix templates for remote or hybrid delivery - 1 timer ## Before participants arrive 1. Draw a square grid on each whiteboard or poster with equal rows and columns (typically 5x5 to accommodate 4 actors plus headers). 2. Label the vertical axis 'From (Gives)' and the horizontal axis 'To (Receives)'. ## Say this to open Today we map how value flows across our system. We will list key participants along both sides of this grid. Along the diagonal where an actor meets itself, we will record what that actor wants most out of the system. Then we will fill the remaining cells by asking: What does actor A give directly to actor B? ## How to run it ### 1. Identify actors and label the grid (10 minutes) Explain the grid format: rows represent givers ('From') and columns represent receivers ('To'). As a whole room, brainstorm potential actors on scratch paper and reach consensus on 4 to 6 core actors. Write these exact names in identical order down the left column and across the top row. For groups of 8 or fewer, run one room-wide matrix. For groups of 9 to 24, split into parallel tables of 4 to 6 people, each using this agreed actor list. ### 2. State primary motivations on the diagonal (10 minutes) Point out the diagonal cells where an actor intersects with itself. Have participants write sticky notes stating what each actor wants out of the system. Place one concise statement in each diagonal cell. Any participant may choose not to act as the table scribe, but each table must ensure every actor's core goal is recorded in the diagonal cells. ### 3. Map directional exchanges in the cells (20 minutes) Work cell by cell across each row. For row actor X and column actor Y, answer: What value, asset, data, or support does X provide directly to Y? Example: If the row is Data Team and the column is Design Team, write 'Weekly drop-off metrics'. Write specific handoffs on sticky notes. If X gives nothing directly to Y, leave the cell empty. Empty cells are valid findings showing where no direct exchange exists. ### 4. Analyze imbalances and debrief (20 minutes) Give groups 5 minutes to inspect their completed grids for asymmetric rows, one-way handoffs, or isolated roles. If parallel tables worked, invite 3 tables to share one key imbalance each (2 minutes per table). Use the remaining time to facilitate a whole-group discussion using the debrief questions. ## Debrief questions - Which cells show heavy traffic in one direction but nothing coming back? - Where did we find actors who have high demands on the diagonal but offer little to other rows? - Which missing handoff or blank cell represents the biggest operational risk? **Finished output:** A completed directional matrix displaying primary actor motivations along the diagonal and specific handoffs in exchange cells. ## Remote Create a shared digital whiteboard with pre-drawn matrices labeled 'From' on rows and 'To' on columns. Assign breakout rooms of 4 to 6 people with their own board copy. Participants use digital notes to populate the diagonal and exchange cells, then return to the main plenary room for the debrief. ## Hybrid Maintain one shared digital whiteboard displayed on the in-person room screen. In-person tables access the digital board via personal laptops or nominate a local scribe to mirror physical sticky notes onto the shared canvas so remote participants see and contribute in real time. ## Access and participation choices - Participants may contribute verbally, write physical notes, or type into a digital canvas. - Any participant may choose to observe or pass on acting as the scribe without needing to explain. ## If the session gets stuck **Participants confuse the direction of the exchange and write what the column receives from the row in reverse.** Remind everyone of the rule: Row gives to Column. Read the intersection aloud as a sentence: '[Row Actor] gives [Item] to [Column Actor]' before placing the note. **A cell stays empty because two actors have no contact, causing participants to worry the matrix is broken.** Explain that blank cells are normal and useful. An empty cell accurately shows that no direct exchange exists between those two roles. ## Terms used here - Actor: An individual, role, team, or external group that performs work or receives results within the system. - Diagonal Cell: The intersection where an actor meets itself on the grid, used here to record that actor's core goal or self-interest. ## Sources and adaptation Observed in Gamestorming (Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, James Macanufo), where it is cited as inspired by techniques in engineering, chemistry, and design. Retained the defining matrix structure from the Gamestorming source: actors along both axes, vertical 'From' and horizontal 'To', diagonal reserved for primary motivations, and non-diagonal cells for directional value flow. UWT established a 60-minute time allocation, fixed group arithmetic for parallel tables, adjusted step lengths to preserve debrief time, added actor brainstorming guidance, and specified digital tools for remote and hybrid settings. [Gamestorming](https://gamestorming.com/give-and-take-matrix) [Gamestorming](https://gamestorming.com/give-and-take-matrix/) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/give-and-take-matrix/