Work Modes Using Autonomy and Definition Clarity Quadrant - Manager Frameworks and Tools Series

This episode introduces a simple quadrant tool to visualise different working modes that a team or individual task might be in, based on levels of autonomy and definition.

• Understand how the quadrant is built using the X-axis of dependency (high to low) and the Y-axis of definition (high to low) to visualise different work modes.
• Explore how the bottom left quadrant represents work that is highly exploratory and highly dependent, often requiring collaboration across multiple departments.
• Learn how a "spike" usually fits into the bottom right quadrant, signifying autonomous exploration.
• Discover how the top left quadrant is for work that is highly dependent but highly defined, such as a migration project or adopting a new tool.
• Understand how the top right quadrant represents work that is the most defined and the most autonomous, typically a singular task assigned to an individual.
• Recognise that many development frameworks focus on optimising work to fit in the top right quadrant to improve flow by reducing dependencies.
• Consider that the top left quadrant is often the lowest value production due to high dependencies without creative thinking.
• Realise that exploratory work, if unguided, can be a liability, and it may be useful to involve more people in the exploration or ensure the individual has significant experience.
• Be aware that processes are often optimised for tasks in the top right quadrant, potentially leading to the avoidance of work in other quadrants.

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