Min Specs

Purpose

Min Specs strips away unnecessary rules and constraints to reveal only the absolute minimum set of specifications needed for success. It helps groups distinguish between must-have rules and nice-to-have habits, creating maximum freedom within essential boundaries. Use it when over-regulation is stifling innovation, or when a team needs to agree on the non-negotiables before self-organising.

At a glance

• Group size: 6–40 people
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Facilitation style: Structured
• Setting: Indoor / Remote-friendly

How to run

1. Generate the list (5 min): Individually, list all the rules, policies, and requirements currently governing the project or initiative.
2. Test ruthlessly in pairs (10 min): For each item, ask: "If we broke this rule, could we still achieve our purpose?" If yes, cross it out.
3. Small-group convergence (10 min): Groups of 4–6 compare lists and agree on the absolute minimum set — rules that, if violated, would make success impossible.
4. Whole-group agreement (5 min): Share and finalise the Min Specs. Aim for 3–5 items.

Materials needed

• Sticky notes and markers
• Flip chart for the final Min Specs list
• Timer

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Keeping too many specs — the discipline is in ruthless subtraction, not cautious preservation.
• Confusing preferences with essentials — push groups to genuinely test whether breaking the rule destroys the purpose.
• Not having a clear purpose statement to test against — define the purpose first.

Inclusion & accessibility

• The individual brainstorm ensures every voice is captured before group negotiation.
• Pairs are less intimidating than plenary debate for challenging existing rules.
• Provide the purpose statement in writing and visually for reference.

Variations

• Min Specs + Max Specs: After finding the minimum, also define the maximum — what must never be done.
• Min Specs for meetings: Apply the method to meeting norms — what are the fewest rules needed for good meetings?
• Min Specs retrospective: Use at the end of a project to identify which rules actually mattered.

When NOT to use this

Avoid Min Specs when regulatory or legal compliance is involved and the rules genuinely cannot be questioned. Also not appropriate in crisis mode when rapid, directive action is needed.

Source & further reading

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless as part of Liberating Structures. See liberatingstructures.com.