Krysak.com-Affinity Diagram

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When to use a tool? See our self help guide:  Select a tool 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Suggestions for Facilitators:

  • Divide large groups into smaller 4-6 member teams.

  • Require the use of sharpie type pens and post-it type notes. The sharpie/post-it type combination makes it easier to read from a distance. Encourage members to write (print) legibly.

  • Encourage "action" oriented statements that respond directly to the issue statement. One word responses offer little value.

  • Enforce silence during the "grouping". This moves the process along and prevents a lot of second guessing.

  • While "grouping", ask the members not to adhere the responses to one another. Simply place them close to one another, in distinct groups. Adhering them to one another, makes it difficult to read and move them around.

  • Encourage discussion (except where noted above) and recording of new responses and ideas throughout the process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Affinity Diagram is an effective brainstorming tool for teams. The use of the tool effectively balances the participants involvement and will generate a large number of responses. The structured involvement produces results in a relatively short amount of time. The full involvement creates a sense of ownership and accomplishment. This is an effective Gateway tool© that is easy to use and produces visible results. 

Affinity Diagram

Supplies needed: Flip charts, Sharpie type markers, post-it type notes

  1. Create an issue statement. Develop a statement that addresses the issue under consideration. The statement should be clearly understood by all participants. (ie. What do I need to do to learn about Quality tools?, What do we need to do to improve communication within our organization?)

  2. Brainstorm responses to the issue statement. Team members should brainstorm as many responses as they are able, one response per post-it type notes. The responses should be specific, action oriented 3-5 word statements. Allow 5-10 minutes of silent brainstorming. Place the responses on the flip charts.

  3. Group the responses in silence. All team members should work at the flipchart, grouping the responses according to similarities. Freely rearrange the responses into groupings. Do this in silence. When the grouping activity subsides, allow open discussion for "clarity". 

  4. Create the header cards. A header card is a statement that describes the grouping. Discuss each grouping and and create a header card to describe the grouping.  Typically, the header card should be a direct response to the original issue statement.

Draw a box around each grouping. Review the original issue statement. Ask a team member to briefly describe the Header cards and statements to the group. Discuss the results and individual/team learning's.

 

 

 

For more information on the use of this tool and/or a brief interactive exercise contact; quality@krysak.com. Please refer to the "affinity" in your email.
You will be pleased with the effective use of this tool. Most teams remark that...."we got it done, together!" ..... "great ideas"......."I never thought of it that way"...."everyone was involved"....." this is teamwork"...."wow! so many ideas"...."great brainstorming tool"

 

 

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