#[Welcome to Forming the Guild!]
[[Begin]]
[In many tabletop role playing games, players come together to form guilds, or specialized teams, in order to embark on quests. To support your work on the Team Project Proposal, we'll borrow this structure as we embark on a quest for balanced, useful collaborative writing practices.]
[While earlier games, like The Mixed Message and Genre Quest, focused on giving you information to complete the written assignment, this activity is designed to facilitate the kinds of communication that support productive collaboration.]
[To that end, please choose a role card from the stack at your table. These roles are specific to this activity, and you do not need to maintain them throughout the process of writing the Team Project Proposal.]
[Throughout Forming the Guild, you'll roll a variety of dice to receive timed prompts. The screen will progress at set intervals, prompting you (ha!) to roll again and continue your conversation. Keep notes on your ideas and resolutions, and use these notes to complete the Team Charter on Canvas.]
[Now, before you can reasonably talk about your team's plan to work together, you might want a brief introduction to the kind of problem you'll be working to solve in the Team Project Proposal.]
[Check Canvas to see which topic your group is solving, then click the appropriate link below!]
[[The Cross-Cultural Communication Challenge]]
[[The Customer Service Overhaul]]
[[The Digital Security Upgrade]]
[[The Hybrid Work Transition]]
[[The Onboarding Revolution]]
[[The Sustainability Initiative]]
[**The Cross-Cultural Communication Challenge**
Your company has grown rapidly, with teams now spanning multiple countries and cultures. While this growth brings exciting opportunities, it has also led to communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and project delays. The current communication systems and protocols were designed for a local workforce and aren't serving the needs of a global team. Your task is to develop a comprehensive solution that addresses language barriers, cultural differences, time zone challenges, and technology accessibility while maintaining efficiency and building stronger international relationships.
Key Challenges:
* Multiple time zones complicate meetings and deadlines
* Language barriers affect document clarity
* Cultural differences impact communication styles
* Technology access varies by region
* Documentation needs translation/localization]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]][**The Customer Service Overhaul**
Customer satisfaction ratings have dropped significantly over the past year, with complaints about response times, resolution quality, and inconsistent service experiences. The current customer service system involves multiple disconnected platforms, leading to lost information and frustrated customers. Your team needs to design an integrated approach that improves response times, ensures consistent service quality, and rebuilds customer trust while considering staff workload and training needs.
Key Challenges:
* Inconsistent response quality
* Long wait times
* Lost customer information
* Staff burnout
* Outdated technology]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]][**The Digital Security Upgrade**
A recent security audit revealed significant vulnerabilities in company data handling and communication practices. With cyber threats increasing and new privacy regulations being implemented, the current patchwork of security measures isn't sufficient. Your team must develop a comprehensive security upgrade that protects sensitive information, ensures regulatory compliance, and maintains operational efficiency without creating undue burden on employees.
Key Challenges:
* Multiple system vulnerabilities
* Inconsistent security practices
* New compliance requirements
* User resistance to changes
* Need for rapid implementation]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]][**The Hybrid Work Transition**
After two years of remote work followed by a challenging return-to-office mandate, employee satisfaction has plummeted and turnover has increased. The company needs a sustainable hybrid work model that balances organizational needs with employee preferences. Your team must design a comprehensive transition plan that addresses workspace design, technology infrastructure, communication protocols, and policy development while maintaining productivity and company culture.
Key Challenges:
* Varying employee preferences
* Technology infrastructure needs
* Space utilization concerns
* Meeting equity issues
* Policy consistency]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]][**The Onboarding Revolution**
High turnover rates and increasingly distributed teams have exposed serious flaws in the current onboarding process. New employees report feeling disconnected, confused about procedures, and unclear about expectations. Your team needs to redesign the onboarding experience to effectively integrate new hires, transfer crucial knowledge, and build strong team connections regardless of location or role while maintaining efficiency and consistency.
Key Challenges:
* Inconsistent training experiences
* Knowledge transfer gaps
* Remote integration difficulties
* Resource inefficiencies
* Tracking completion]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]][**The Sustainability Initiative**
New environmental regulations and increasing stakeholder pressure require a significant reduction in the company's environmental impact. Current sustainability efforts are fragmented and poorly documented. Your team must develop a comprehensive sustainability program that addresses carbon emissions, waste reduction, and resource conservation while maintaining operational efficiency and demonstrating measurable impact to stakeholders.
Key Challenges:
* Data collection difficulties
* Departmental coordination
* Cost concerns
* Behavior change needs
* Progress measurement]
[When you're ready, move on to [[Team Identity->Team Identity]]]#[Team Identity]
[In this section, you'll focus on general collaboration and team dynamics, since these are the foundation of the specific collaborative writing you'll be doing in this unit. This section will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.]
[It progresses in four phases:
* Deep thinking about team identity
* Exploring working relationships
* Ensuring everyone's engaged]
[Ready? [[Let's get started!->Team Identity - Reflection]]][Have a team member roll a D12 to receive your first prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $TeamIdentity1,"=XX=")
[[Next->Team Identity Reflection Prompt]](set: $TeamIdentity1 to (num: $TeamIdentity1))
[To begin, let's get oriented.]
(if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 3)[What's our greatest team strength?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 6)[What excites us about this project?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 9)[What skills can we teach each other?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 12)[What would ideal collaboration look like?]
(set: $counter to 150)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Team Identity Dynamics Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D6 to receive your second prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $TeamIdentity2,"=XX=")
[[Next->Team Identity Dynamics Prompt]](set: $TeamIdentity2 to (num: $TeamIdentity2))
[Now, let's see if the conversation can become more specific. Think about the experiences, expertise, and collaborative strengths you each bring to the team.]
(if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 1)[What strengths have we noticed in each other?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 2)[How are we handling disagreements? (Or, how will we handle them in the future?)]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 3)[What communication patterns are emerging?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 4)[Are we balancing participation effectively?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 5)[What team habits should we develop?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity2 <= 6)[How can we support each other's roles?]
(set: $counter to 200)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Team Identity Engagement Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D4 to receive your third prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $TeamIdentity3,"=XX=")
[[Next->Team Identity Engagement Prompt]](set: $TeamIdentity3 to (num: $TeamIdentity3))
[This is a quick check-in to ensure everyone is able to contribute!]
(if:$TeamIdentity3 <= 1)[Who hasn't spoken recently?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity3 <= 2)[Are we documenting our decisions?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity3 <= 3)[How are our individual roles affecting us as a team?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity3 <= 4)[Do we need to adjust our pace or the balance of conversation?]
(set: $counter to 120)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Communications Charter")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][This section helps your team develop your charter, or the guidelines for your work together. It will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.]
[This section also progresses in four phases:
* Setting expectations
* Discussing communication styles
* A quick check to verify progress
* & Finalizing agreements]
[Ready? [[Let's get started!->Communications Charter Expectations Roll]]][Have a team member roll a D9 to receive your first prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $CommunicationsCharter1,"=XX=")
[[Next->Charter Expectations Prompt]](set: $CommunicationsCharter1 to (num: $CommunicationsCharter1))
[As you discuss this question, focus on the context of your work together on the Team Project Proposal!]
(if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 1)[What potential obstacles should we prepare for?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 2)[How will we maintain momentum?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 3)[What resources might we need?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 4)[How will we handle missed deadlines?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 5)[What backup plans should we have?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 6)[How will we celebrate successes?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 7)[What professional development might help?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 8)[How will we evaluate our progress?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter1 <= 9)[What boundaries should we establish?]
(set: $counter to 210)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Communications Charter Dynamics Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D6 to receive your second prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $CommunicationsCharter2,"=XX=")
[[Next->Charter Dynamics Prompt]](set: $CommunicationsCharter2 to (num: $CommunicationsCharter2))
[In collaborative work, conflict (minor or major) is normal. To ensure the team succeeds, it's important to have a plan to manage conflict.]
(if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 1)[Sometimes team members have competing ideas about how to approach writing tasks. How will your team:
* Share different perspectives respectfully?
* Make decisions when opinions differ?
* Document final decisions?
* Move forward productively after disagreements?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 2)[Schedule conflicts are common in team projects. How will your team:
* Handle missed meetings (in-class or out of class)?
* Communicate schedule changes?
* Ensure information sharing?
* Maintain fairness in workload?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 3)[Writing styles and preferences often differ. How will your team:
* Address stylistic disagreements?
* Maintain consistent voice?
* Give constructive feedback?
* Balance individual creativity with team cohesion?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 4)[If a team member isn't meeting their responsibilities, how will your team:
* Address concerns early?
* Have difficult conversations?
* Document issues professionally?
* Support getting back on track?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 5)[When facing project direction disagreements, how will your team:
* Evaluate different approaches?
* Make strategic decisions?
* Document alternative ideas?
* Maintain team unity?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter2 <= 6)[If communication breaks down, how will your team:
* Identify the root cause?
* Reset team dynamics?
* Rebuild trust?
* Prevent future issues?]
(set: $counter to 360)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Charter Engagement Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D4 to receive your third prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $CommunicationsCharter3,"=XX=")
[[Next->Charter Engagement Prompt]](set: $CommunicationsCharter3 to (num: $CommunicationsCharter3))
[This is a quick check-in to ensure everyone is able to contribute!]
(if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 1)[Who hasn't spoken recently?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 2)[Are we documenting our decisions?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 3)[How are our individual roles affecting us as a team?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 4)[Do we need to adjust our pace or the balance of conversation?]
(set: $counter to 120)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Communication Charter Dynamics 2")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D6 to receive your final prompt for this section. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $CommunicationsCharter4,"=XX=")
[[Next->Charter Dynamics 2 Prompt]](set: $CommunicationsCharter4 to (num: $CommunicationsCharter4))
[In the next section, you'll discuss specific roles for writing the Team Project Proposal. Before we move on, though, let's ensure nothing has been overlooked:]
(if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 1)[Let's review our class-specific workflow:
* How will we manage team communication?
* What's our plan for in-class work time?
* How will we continue work between classes?
* What should we do if someone misses class?
* How can we use office hours effectively?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 2)[Thinking about assignment deadlines:
* How will we handle internal deadlines?
* What's our peer review process?
* Who will submit final documents to Canvas?
* How far ahead of deadlines should drafts be ready?
* What's our backup plan for technology issues?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 3)[Considering our different classes and commitments:
* How will we balance this project with other coursework?
* What are our busiest weeks during this project?
* What's our plan for weekly progress?
* How will we maintain momentum between classes?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 4)[Looking at our collaborative writing process:
* How will we share drafts and feedback?
* What's our revision workflow?
* How will we maintain consistent formatting?
* Who will do final proofreading?
* How will we track individual contributions?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 5)[Reviewing our team resources:
* How will we use the Writing Center?
* When might we need instructor guidance?
* What technologies will we use?
* How can we help each other learn?
* What external resources might help?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter4 <= 6)[Building on our conflict management plan:
* How will we address varying grade expectations?
* What if someone's work quality isn't meeting expectations?
* How will we ensure equal participation in class activities?
* What's our process for catching up after absences?]
(set: $counter to 400)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Role Exploration")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][This section helps your team refine the roles you'll play in writing the Team Project Proposal. It will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.]
[Before you begin, consider reviewing the assignment description on Canvas!]
[This section also progresses in four phases:
* Identifying your strengths
* Reflecting on how different strengths support different roles
* A quick check to verify agreement
* & Finalizing your insights]
[Ready? [[Let's get started!->Role Exploration Dynamics]]][Have a team member roll a D6 to receive your first prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $Role1,"=XX=")
[[Next->Role Dynamics Prompt]](set: $Role1 to (num: $Role1))
[For this conversation, consider the roles you'd like to play in writing the Team Project Proposal.]
(if:$Role1 <= 1)[Consider the different sections of the proposal. Which section interests you most, and why? What specific skills or knowledge could you bring to that section?]
(else-if:$Role1 <= 2)[Think about your previous team experiences. What role did you play in past successful collaborations? How might those experiences inform your role in this project?]
(else-if:$Role1 <= 3)[Looking at the different lead responsibilities, which aspects of project management appeal to you most: coordinating vision, managing resources, analyzing impacts, or implementing details?]
(else-if:$Role1 <= 4)[What aspects of this project make you nervous? How might choosing a certain role help you develop in these areas?]
(else-if:$Role1 <= 5)[How does your major or work experience align with different sections of the proposal? Where might your expertise be most valuable?]
(else-if:$Role1 <= 6)[Which role would best allow you to support your teammates while also challenging yourself to grow professionally?]
[If your team is ready, this can be a good time to assign specific roles for the project!]
(set: $counter to 420)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Role Reflection Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
][Have a team member roll a D12 to receive your second prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $Role2,"=XX=")
[[Next->Role Reflection Prompt]](set: $TeamIdentity1 to (num: $TeamIdentity1)) (set: $TeamIdentity1 to $TeamIdentity1)
[For this question, consider the process of discussing (and potentially deciding upon) roles for the Team Project Proposal, which you just engaged in response to the previous prompt.]
(if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 1)[What assumptions did you make about this role when you first considered it? Have those assumptions changed during our discussion?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 2)[How might your choice of role affect other team members' opportunities to contribute? What responsibilities come with this role?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 3)[What specific experiences or skills make you confident about this role? What areas might require support from teammates?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 4)[How does this role align with your career goals? What might you learn that could help you professionally?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 5)[What potential challenges do you foresee in this role? How might the team help you address these challenges?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 6)[How will you ensure that your leadership of one section doesn't limit your contributions to other sections?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 7)[What strategies could you use to balance your role responsibilities with the need for collaborative input?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 8)[How might your role help bridge different team members' perspectives and expertise?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 9)[What aspects of your chosen role make you excited? What aspects make you nervous?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 10)[How will you maintain both authority in your lead role and openness to others' ideas?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 11)[What support might you need from teammates to excel in this role? What support can you offer others?]
(else-if:$TeamIdentity1 <= 12)[How might your role need to adapt as the project evolves? What flexibility should you build in?]
(set: $counter to 420)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Role Check-In")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter][Have a team member roll a D9 to receive your final prompt for this activity. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $Role4,"=XX=")
[[Next->Final Reflection Prompt]](set: $Role4 to (num: $Role4))
[This is the final reflection! :)]
(if:$Role4 <= 1)[Looking ahead to this collaborative writing project, what do you want your teammates to say about working with you when it's finished? What practices will help make that happen?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 2)[Think about the best team experience you've ever had. What specific practices from that experience could you bring to this project? What new practices would you like to develop?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 3)[Consider both your individual goals and the team's goals. Where do they align? Where might they create tension? How will you manage both?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 4)[What's one professional skill you hope to strengthen through this project? How can you build opportunities for that growth into your collaborative writing process?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 5)[Imagine your team encountering a significant challenge. What communication practices should you establish now to help handle future difficulties?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 6)[How will you balance efficiency (getting the work done) with effectiveness (producing quality work) in your collaborative writing? What practices support both?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 7)[What does 'successful collaboration' mean to you? How will you know if your team is collaborating well? What evidence will you look for?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 8)[Think about your strengths as a communicator and writer. How can you use these strengths to support the team while still remaining open to new approaches?]
(else-if:$Role4 <= 9)[What's one specific habit or practice you want to develop during this project that would make you a better collaborator in your future career?]
[When your team is ready, you can [[finish this activity.->Finale]]][Have a team member roll a D4 to receive your third prompt. You don't need to add any modifiers for this game.]
(input-box:2bind $Role3,"=XX=")
[[Next->Role Check-In Prompt]](set: $CommunicationsCharter3 to (num: $CommunicationsCharter3))
[This is a quick check-in to ensure everyone is in agreement!]
(if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 1)[Who hasn't spoken recently?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 2)[Are we documenting our decisions?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 3)[How are our individual roles affecting us as a team?]
(else-if:$CommunicationsCharter3 <= 4)[Do we need to adjust our pace or the balance of conversation?]
(set: $counter to 120)
[You have |amount>[$counter] seconds left!]
(live: 1s)[
(set: $counter to it - 1)
(if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Final Reflection Roll")]
(replace: ?amount)[$counter]
]#[Congrats on completing Forming the Guild!]
[Use the conversations you've had today to complete your team's charter (on Canvas) and to support your work on the Team Project Proposal.]