# Expose disagreement before discussion

Compare independent answers about the change, user, problem and near-term outcome.

Duration: 5 min

Ask participants to write their answers before anyone presents. Compare differences and classify each as a decision, research assumption or constraint. Do not force competing views into ceremonial consensus.

**Failure mode:** the most senior participant speaks first and everyone edits their notes to match. Collect the notes before discussion.

## kickoff-problem-backlog-m1-l1-reading

### Four silent answers

Individually record the intended change, priority user, problem and near-term outcome. Compare before editing. Assign differences as decisions, assumptions or constraints, each with an owner and next action.

This alignment test is an authored facilitation method. Scrum defines Product Goal and Product Owner accountability but does not prescribe this workshop.

### Worked example and transfer practice

All examples below are fictional teaching material. Use synthetic notes; no workplace or personal data is required or uploaded.

**A fictional repair service.** The sponsor wants more online bookings. Dispatch staff want fewer visits to empty homes. These could require different first changes. Record the conflict as a decision: which outcome governs the first test? The service owner will decide after the researcher checks why callers miss appointments. Do not rewrite both aims as ‘better service’ and call that agreement.

**Try before reading the guide:** A library sponsor wants more reservations while volunteers want fewer failed collections. Write both outcomes, one question that could change the priority, and the role that can decide. Keep the disagreement visible until that decision is made.

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<summary>Practice review guide</summary>

Your record distinguishes the two outcomes, identifies missing evidence, and gives a decision owner and checkpoint. Agreement on vague wording alone is insufficient.

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## kickoff-problem-backlog-m1-l1-check

Public answer keys are intentional. This check does not establish competence.