Principle Definition Workshop
A Principle Definition Workshop is a collaborative activity designed to define and articulate the fundamental principles that will guide various aspects of work within an organisation, including product development, research, design, development, and marketing. These principles serve as a foundation for decision-making, processes, and behaviours across teams.
Goal
The goal of the workshop is to establish a set of clear, actionable, and shared principles that reflect the organisation's values and strategic objectives. These principles are intended to guide team members in their daily work and decision-making processes, ensuring consistency and alignment with the organisation’s overall vision.
Context
Teams that can make decisions quicker have a competitive advantage. But with decentralised decision making there is a risk that teams will make decisions that are not aligned with the company's culture, brand and strategy. This is where shared values come in. They provide a clear set of principles that guide decision-making and behaviour, ensuring that teams are aligned with the company's mission and vision.
Inputs
| Artifact | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Values | The underlying values and beliefs that define the organisation's culture and guide decision-making. |
| Industry Best Practices | Research best practices and common principles used in different areas of product development within your industry. |
Outputs
| Artifact | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Principles | A set of principles that leaders commit to embodying and promoting within the organisation. |
|
| Product Principles | A set of principles that guide the process of product development | Ensures consistency and alignment in product development efforts |
| Research Principles | A set of principles that guide the research process | Ensures that research is conducted effectively and ethically |
| Design Principles | A set of principles that guide the design process | Ensures that design decisions are aligned with the organisation's values and objectives |
| Development Principles | A set of principles that guide the development process | Ensures that development efforts are consistent and efficient |
Anti-patterns
- Limited Participation: Excluding key stakeholders from the workshop can lead to a lack of ownership and buy-in for the defined principles.
- Vague or Generic Principles: Unclear or overly generic principles can be meaningless and fail to provide clear guidance.
- Inconsistency Between Principles and Practices: If daily practices contradict the defined principles, it can lead to confusion and hinder their effectiveness.
- Lack of Communication and Reinforcement: Failing to communicate and reinforce the core principles throughout the organisation can hinder their impact.