Fruitful paths
A tool for starting off new projects.




Introduction
Use this tool for initial exploration of a new project or work request, to quickly get a broader perspective.


For best results:
* Leverage multiple views by inviting people from key groups to work through the tool independently
* Then, come together to review the results collectively.


When using the tool - don’t try to answer perfectly - the point is to make a start, not have the right answers!








Step 1: Initial idea or problem
Briefly, what has triggered the work request - what’s this potential project about?


(Just a draft - this doesn’t need to be perfect.)




Step 2a: The story so far
Start off by thinking about any work that’s been done on this problem so far.


Question 1. Wind in our sails. What’s been helping you make progress?


Question 2. Beacons. What’s on the horizon that you’re looking forward to?




Step 2b: Holdups & barriers
Still thinking about what has been tried so far.


Question 1. Anchors holding us back. What’s been making progress harder?


Question 2. Barriers ahead. Do you see any upcoming problems to navigate?


(Screens 2a and 2b come from the Sailboat Retrospective, a well-known Agile template.)




Step 3: Context
Question 1: Does this relate to a bigger strategy or mission?


Question 2: Has anything already been committed to?


Question 3: Relevant timelines


Question 4: Budget for this piece




Step 4a: People
Question 1: Who has a hands-on role? Eg will be part of build or delivery?


Question 2: Who will use the tool or service?


Question 3: Funders / who has sign-off


Question 4: Others who may be affected by changes or new work.




Step 4b: Goals
Going back to the previous step (4a People), add details of what the goals / desired outcomes could be for each role or group.


* Think about how confident you are in this understanding
* Look for potential areas of both conflict & synergy




Step 5: Organisation context
Question 1: What level of alignment does there tend to be on goals and direction? Rating scale from weak to strong.


Question 2: Resourcing tends to be: Rating scale from perilous! to reliable.


Question 3: How would you rate the level of psychological safety? Rating scale from low to high.


Question 4: How connected are groups within the organisation? Rating scale from: siloes - not well connected to Communicative - a sense of flow.






Step 6: Initial hunches
Question 1: What initial ideas do you have about possible solutions, or what the underlying issue could be?


Question 2: What ideas or opinions have you heard from others?






Step 7: Scope
Question 1: What would you (and others) really like to do if it were possible?


Question 2: What is the level of urgency? Rating scale from Need something ASAP to Exploring what's possible.