Role Expectations Matrix is a team-building activity that aims to map out the expectations among team members. It helps them better define their roles and avoid future conflicts due to hidden or unknown expectations.
Running the activity:
- Create a list of all the team members’ roles.
- Using the list, create a matrix with the list of roles along both horizontal and vertical axes. Label the vertical axis as “from” and the horizontal axis as “to.”
- Ask team members to write down (on separate sticky notes) their expectations to each one of the roles. These notes should go on the cells on a horizontal line for the team member role.
- Discuss among the group the whole matrix. We recommend selecting one “from” role (a matrix vertical line) and then each person reads their expectation notes for that role. Repeat for all roles.
The goal in completing the matrix is to find the most complete picture of team members’ expectations on each other. This activity is inspired on the give-and-take matrix from the Gamestorming book.
Remote-team advice: This activity works well for remote teams. Use a remote board of your choice.