Give and Take Matrix

Purpose

The Give and Take Matrix makes inter-team dependencies and expectations explicit. Each group identifies what it needs from other teams (takes) and what it can offer (gives). The resulting matrix creates transparent agreements that replace assumptions with commitments, reducing friction and blame.

At a glance

• Group size: 6–30 (2–5 teams or departments)
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: Structured negotiation
• Setting: In-person or virtual

How to run

1. Set up the matrix (2 min). Create a grid with teams as both rows and columns. Each cell represents what the row team gives to the column team.
2. Individual team work (8 min). Each team lists: What do we need from each other team? What can we offer each other team?
3. Share and negotiate (10 min). Teams present their gives and takes. Where a ‘take’ from Team A doesn’t match a ‘give’ from Team B, negotiate an agreement or acknowledge a gap.
4. Document agreements (3 min). Write agreed gives and takes into the matrix cells.
5. Review and commit (2 min). Each team confirms their commitments. Schedule a follow-up to check adherence.

Materials needed

• Large matrix template (whiteboard or digital)
• Sticky notes and markers
• One flip chart per team

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• One-sided demands. Ensure every ‘take’ is balanced by a ‘give’ — no team should only take.
• Vague commitments. “We’ll support you” is not an agreement. Specify what, when, and how.
• No follow-up. Without a check-in, agreements fade. Schedule a review within 4 weeks.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Ensure every team has equal time to present their needs.
• Provide the matrix in digital format for asynchronous input from teams in different locations.
• Read all agreements aloud to confirm shared understanding.

Variations

• Service Level Give & Take: Specify SLAs (response time, quality standards) for each commitment.
• Personal Give & Take: Individuals within a team clarify what they need from and offer to each other.
• Customer-facing Give & Take: Map gives and takes between the organization and its customers.

When NOT to use this

• When teams have no meaningful dependencies on each other.
• When interpersonal conflict is so high that negotiation requires professional mediation first.

Source & further reading

• Gray, D., Brown, S., & Macanufo, J. (2010). *Gamestorming.* O’Reilly Media.
• Lencioni, P. (2005). *Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team.* Jossey-Bass.