Startwise

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Lightside <> Darkside

Player

30+ Minutes

Play

Your group is facing a big decision and/or attempting something new.

Win

Everyone is aligned on a path forward.

Tools

Player

30+ Minutes

Play

Occasionally

START

Help & Hints

Example: We want to decide between buying or renting our next property.

Define your decision point

What are you trying to solve for? What decision are you trying to make? Make sure everyone is clear and aligned. Write it down for everyone to see and agree on.

Rules

CONTINUE

Help & Hints

Assign equal numbers of players to each side.
Lightside players must...
- Exude optimism
- Be creative, dream ever-bigger
- Be bold, seek to inspire

Darkside players must…
- Exude pessimism
- Be concerned, warn of risks
- Be cautious, seek to protect

Nominate “Middle Path” Player(s) to offer balance.
Middle Path players must...
- Exude neutrality
- Be rational, balance logic and emotion
- Be inclusive, seek to blend both sides

Even out your sides

Now you'll create even teams

Rules

Create three teams (Lightside, Darkside, Middle Path)
Randomly assign players to each team
Make the teams as equal in size as you can

CONTINUE

Help & Hints

Team Huddles

Now have each team huddle and prepare to win

Rules

Lightside players discuss your big ideas, and decide who will speak in what order.
Middle Path players get ready to listen deeply and be fair and balanced.
Darkside players discuss your major concerns, and decide who will speak in what order.

CONTINUE CONTINUE

Help & Hints

Take Turns

Starting with team Darkside, spend two minutes making your opening arguments, then switch sides.

Rules

Lightside and Darkside teams speak
- 2 Minutes Arguments
- 2 Minute Response
Switch which team goes first each time this round is replayed.

CONTINUE CONTINUE

Help & Hints

Middle Path Weighs In

Middle Path players present a balanced proposal that attempts to leverage the best of both sides.

Rules

Middle Path players speak
Present a hybrid or alternate proposal

CONTINUE CONTINUE

Help & Hints

Everyone Votes

Everyone considers whether they want to stick with their side or join a different one. If everyone joins one side (Light, Dark, or Middle), their proposal wins.

Rules

NOTE: If more than one side has players at the end of this round, let people join their preferred side (even if its uneven) and repeat Rounds 4-6 until one side has all the players.

CONTINUE