methodatlas
Session Builder

Plan my session

Plan a concrete work block with agenda, roles, preparation, and a copyable result artifact.

Method session90-150 minWorkshop or asyncIceberg Worksheet

Session: Iceberg Model

The plan translates the method into a concrete facilitated work block. Your inputs flow directly into the session brief and work artifact.

Derived automatically

Method session with 2-10. The plan uses the existing method logic and the runsheet.

Runsheet
Participation logic
Team round, shared work and alignment

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome logic
Finish artifact

The session works directly toward Iceberg Worksheet. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

  1. 1

    Phase 1: Collect events

    20 min

    List concrete events from the last 12 months: date, what happened, immediate reaction. At least three comparable occurrences. Hint: If only one event exists, Iceberg is not suitable. With two events, check for additional evidence first or choose another method.

    FacilitatorIceberg Worksheet
  2. 2

    Phase 2: Identify patterns

    30 min

    Patterns as recurring behavior over time. Ask what repeats and what the trend statement is. Examples: "every quarter-end performance incidents escalate" or "new features break legacy functionality". Hint: Patterns are generalizations, not single events. If a statement only describes one event, it is too specific.

    FacilitatorPattern Notes
  3. 3

    Phase 3: Reveal structures

    40 min

    Identify structures as incentives, processes, org setup, tool setup, rewards. Ask: which structure makes the pattern likely? Examples: bonus on output instead of outcome, missing QA stage, reporting lines. Hint: Structures are changeable but hidden. A pattern without structure stays at symptom level. Make at least two structures explicit per pattern.

    FacilitatorIntervention Ideas
  4. 4

    Phase 4: Reveal mental models

    30 min

    Beliefs, assumptions, and cultural patterns that justify the structures. Examples: "speed beats quality", "market rewards only releases", "no time for tests". Hint: Mental models are the most difficult layer. If the group avoids this level, Iceberg remains stuck in structures. Build psychological safety and focus on naming over blaming.

    FacilitatorIceberg Worksheet
  5. 5

    Phase 5: Levers and actions

    20 min

    One action per layer: Event (quick fix), Pattern (pattern detection), Structure (change incentives), Mental Model (dialogue). Aim for at least one action at Structure or Mental Model level. Hint: If all actions address events, the system does not learn. At least one action must change structure, otherwise the pattern will recur.

    OwnerPattern Notes
  6. 6

    Publish artifact

    10 min

    Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients.

    OwnerIceberg Worksheet
Usable artifact

Session Brief

For invitations, boards, tickets, PR descriptions, or workshop notes.

session-brief.md

Session Brief: Iceberg Model

Goal

Artifact: Iceberg Worksheet

Working Question

Which patterns, structures, and mental models create the recurring events, and on which layer is an intervention sustainable?

Context

Three to five concrete occurrences with dates; previous measures and their outcomes; known incentives, rules, and beliefs in the system.

Setup

  • Format: Method session
  • Duration: 90-150 min
  • Mode: Workshop or async
  • Participants: One facilitator; 3-6 participants with system knowledge; one scribe; ideally people from multiple organizational levels (Operations, Lead, Strategy).
  • Owner: One facilitator
  • Participation mode: Team round, shared work and alignment
  • Outcome logic: Finish artifact

Participation Logic

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome Logic

The session works directly toward Iceberg Worksheet. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

Input

Whiteboard or Miro board with four layers (Events at top, Patterns, Structures, Mental Models at bottom), four-color stickies, timeline attachment, observations and event data.

Preparation

Iceberg tip (Events) at the top, clear waterline. Patterns as first submerged layer, Structures as second, Mental Models as third. Rule: layers are filled one after another, not mixed.

Agenda

  1. Phase 1: Collect events (20 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: List concrete events from the last 12 months: date, what happened, immediate reaction. At least three comparable occurrences. Hint: If only one event exists, Iceberg is not suitable. With two events, check for additional evidence first or choose another method. Output: Iceberg Worksheet

  2. Phase 2: Identify patterns (30 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Patterns as recurring behavior over time. Ask what repeats and what the trend statement is. Examples: "every quarter-end performance incidents escalate" or "new features break legacy functionality". Hint: Patterns are generalizations, not single events. If a statement only describes one event, it is too specific. Output: Pattern Notes

  3. Phase 3: Reveal structures (40 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Identify structures as incentives, processes, org setup, tool setup, rewards. Ask: which structure makes the pattern likely? Examples: bonus on output instead of outcome, missing QA stage, reporting lines. Hint: Structures are changeable but hidden. A pattern without structure stays at symptom level. Make at least two structures explicit per pattern. Output: Intervention Ideas

  4. Phase 4: Reveal mental models (30 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Beliefs, assumptions, and cultural patterns that justify the structures. Examples: "speed beats quality", "market rewards only releases", "no time for tests". Hint: Mental models are the most difficult layer. If the group avoids this level, Iceberg remains stuck in structures. Build psychological safety and focus on naming over blaming. Output: Iceberg Worksheet

  5. Phase 5: Levers and actions (20 min) Owner: Owner Action: One action per layer: Event (quick fix), Pattern (pattern detection), Structure (change incentives), Mental Model (dialogue). Aim for at least one action at Structure or Mental Model level. Hint: If all actions address events, the system does not learn. At least one action must change structure, otherwise the pattern will recur. Output: Pattern Notes

  6. Publish artifact (10 min) Owner: Owner Action: Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients. Output: Iceberg Worksheet

Closeout

  • Update result artifact: Iceberg Worksheet
  • Define location, version, and review recipients.
  • Define owner, next step, and review date.
Usable artifact

Work artifact

Pre-filled starting point based on the matching template.

work-artifact.md

Iceberg Worksheet: Iceberg Model

Working Question

Which patterns, structures, and mental models create the recurring events, and on which layer is an intervention sustainable?

Context

Three to five concrete occurrences with dates; previous measures and their outcomes; known incentives, rules, and beliefs in the system.

Participants

  • Owner: One facilitator
  • Participants: One facilitator; 3-6 participants with system knowledge; one scribe; ideally people from multiple organizational levels (Operations, Lead, Strategy).

Input

Whiteboard or Miro board with four layers (Events at top, Patterns, Structures, Mental Models at bottom), four-color stickies, timeline attachment, observations and event data.

Template

Iceberg Model Working Matrix

ElementDescriptionRatingEvidenceOwnerNext step
1
2
3

Output artifacts

  • Iceberg Worksheet:
  • Pattern Notes:
  • Intervention Ideas:

Decision or recommendation

What consequence follows from the matrix?

Completion Check

  • Iceberg Worksheet is complete enough for review:
  • Location:
  • Version / status:
  • Review by:
  • Next step:

Next Step

  • Review result
  • Mark open questions
  • Schedule review or decision
Template base

Iceberg Model Working Template

View templateCompact working template for Iceberg Model with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
spreadsheet

iceberg-model-working-template.md

Compact working template for Iceberg Model with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

Iceberg Model Working Matrix

ElementDescriptionRatingEvidenceOwnerNext step
1
2
3

Output artifacts

  • Iceberg Worksheet:
  • Pattern Notes:
  • Intervention Ideas:

Decision or recommendation

What consequence follows from the matrix?

Ready to use when
  • Working question, owner, and target artifact are visible.
  • The result fits Iceberg Worksheet.
  • One document per analysis with date and phenomenon. Track actions separately so the Iceberg analysis remains comparable later. Link predecessor workshops.
  • Open questions are noted as follow-ups.
  • The next review or decision point is scheduled.
ProfileRunsheet