Min Specs
Min Specs helps a group strip a policy, process, or project down to the few rules that are absolutely essential for success.
How to run it
- Generate the list of all must-do and must-not-do activities (Max Specs), at first alone for one minute then consolidate and expand in the small group for five minutes. Make list as complete as possible in a short time. 6 min.
- Each small group tests each spec on its Max Spec list against the purpose statement. If the spec can be violated and the purpose still achieved, the spec is dropped from the list. 15 min.
- Compare across small groups and consolidate to the shortest list. 15 min.
- Evaluate and decide what is absolutely essential for success
- Reduce frontline frustration and free people from micromanagement
- Focus or redirect resources and energies where it matters
- Respecting the Min Specs will ensure that innovations will be both purposeful and responsible.
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Prompts to use +
Generate the list of all must-do and must-not-do activities (Max Specs), at first alone for one minute then consolidate and expand in the small group for five minutes. Make list as complete as possible in a short time. 6 min.
Each small group tests each spec on its Max Spec list against the purpose statement. If the spec can be violated and the purpose still achieved, the spec is dropped from the list. 15 min.
Compare across small groups and consolidate to the shortest list. 15 min.
Evaluate and decide what is absolutely essential for success
Run this with your AI assistant +
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or your own local model: paste this prompt and your AI will co-facilitate this exercise with you.
Adapt this exercise for my exact room. Exercise: Min Specs. Readiness: Publishable Draft. Core moves: Generate the list of all must-do and must-not-do activities (Max Specs), at first alone for one minute then consolidate and expand in the small group for five minutes. Make list as complete as possible in a short time. 6 min.; Each small group tests each spec on its Max Spec list against the purpose statement. If the spec can be violated and the purpose still achieved, the spec is dropped from the list. 15 min.; Compare across small groups and consolidate to the shortest list. 15 min.; Evaluate and decide what is absolutely essential for success. Return a concise facilitator script with timing, wording, safety notes, and remote/in-person adjustments.
Origin unverified
- Where we observed it: The strongest current observations come from Liberating Structures; aggregators are listed as additional observations, not origin proof. (3 sources observed, including Liberating Structures, Workshopr, SessionLab.)
- What that means: we track where an exercise has been observed in public sources. We do not claim to know who created it, or how popular it is.
- No efficacy claims: appearing in this library is not a claim that the exercise is proven effective. Facilitator judgment and context decide whether it works for a given room.
- Corrections: if you have evidence of an earlier or more accurate source, read our methodology and trust boundary and tell us.