The ABZ activity is a lightweight tool to turn an overwhelming goal into immediate action. Instead of mapping the whole journey from where you are (A) to where you want to be (Z), the team focuses on identifying and committing to only the very first move: A → B.

It’s especially useful when a project feels too big, complicated, fuzzy, or stuck—because it forces clarity on (1) current reality, (2) the end state, and (3) the smallest next step you can take now.

Illustration of the ABZ activity board with three columns labeled “A (Current),” “Z (End state),” and “B (Next),” each showing several sticky notes, separated by vertical lines.

Running the activity:

  1. Prepare the canvas
    Draw three areas (or columns) on a whiteboard:

    • A (Current reality)

    • Z (End state)

    • B (Next step from A)

  2. Explain the intention
    Share this framing with the team:
    “We will think big, but start small—focusing only on the very first step.”

  3. Define Z: the end state
    Ask participants to write notes about what “done” looks like. Encourage clear, observable outcomes (not tasks).
    Helpful prompts:

    • What would we see/hear/measure if this is successful?

    • What does “end state” mean for users/customers/the business?

    • What is explicitly not part of Z?

  4. Define A: the current reality
    Ask participants to write notes describing what is true today. Keep it factual and specific.
    Helpful prompts:

    • Where are we right now? What do we know for sure?

    • What have we tried already? What is blocking us?

    • What constraints (time, people, systems) are real?

  5. Define B: the next step from A
    Guide the conversation so the team ignores the overwhelming path from C to Z and focuses exclusively on the A → B transition.
    B should be a small, concrete action that creates momentum and learning.
    Helpful prompts:

    • What is the smallest step that moves us forward?

    • What can we do in the next cycle (or sprint)?

    • What is in our control (not dependent on external approvals)?

  6. Commit to action
    Turn B into action items (check the who-what-when activity).

This activity is particularly useful when teams feel stuck, overwhelmed by ambiguity, or tempted to over-plan instead of taking action. Once B is completed, it becomes the new A, and the team can repeat the exercise to define the next B-step.

Inspired by ideas from James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), especially the principle of focusing on the smallest action that builds momentum. I first came across this framing while listening to him on The Knowledge Project podcast.

Remote-team advice: This activity works well for remote teams. Use a remote board of your choice.

 

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