If You're in the Boat, Row!

How can an all-day, eight-hour Big Room on a collaborative delivery project happen without notes?

Recently, we've been sitting in meetings, noticing a pattern. People pay attention and listen, but that is where their participation ends. They don’t take notes, ask questions, volunteer for action, or find another way to contribute. 

Think of a rowboat. Every person added to the boat adds weight. They only make it faster if they row. 

But rowing doesn't always mean talking. Preparing beforehand is rowing. Writing your thoughts in the chat is rowing. Asking critical questions is rowing. Taking notes is rowing.

Sitting there for eight hours, saying nothing, writing nothing, contributing minimally?

That is sitting in the boat.

If you’re in the boat, row!