Leading Large-Scale Technical Migrations Without Team Friction
Designed for Technical leaders overseeing cross-team platform migrations (e.g., 'Senior engineering managers leading legacy-to-cloud transitions across multiple squads') to spark real collaboration and high-energy learning.
A 90-minute hybrid workshop for senior engineering managers responsible for major tech platform shifts. Attendees report persistent friction—ranging from stalled delivery to passive resistance—when driving migrations. Many are frustrated by siloed communication and lack practical, people-centric tactics for smooth transitions.
Migration Mystery Poll
Kick off with a rapid-fire interactive poll: 'What’s the #1 surprising challenge you’ve faced in a migration?' Share anonymized responses on screen. Participants see the crowd's unexpected friction points, triggering curiosity and immediate relevance.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Curiosity and surprise prime the brain for engagement; polling builds psychological safety and signals everyone’s experiences matter.
Friction Fictions Debunked
Present three common migration myths (e.g., 'Technical teams resist change because they’re stubborn'). Challenge participants to vote on which is most dangerous, then facilitate a myth-busting mini-discussion using real migration outcomes.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Revealing misconceptions lowers defensiveness and enables deeper learning; myth-busting reframes the problem and opens minds to new approaches.
Silent Spectrum Share
Invite participants to silently position themselves on a digital (or physical) spectrum: 'How comfortable are you leading migration conversations—1 = avoid at all costs, 5 = thrive on it.' Everyone sees the spectrum, but no explanations are required, removing pressure.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Low-pressure, anonymous participation lets quieter voices engage and surfaces hidden attitudes, setting up honest dialogue.
Migration Showdown Relay
Run a fast-paced relay: Teams compete to brainstorm the most creative, non-friction migration communication tactic in 2 minutes. Each team scribbles ideas on cards, passes them to the next, who builds on them. Final round, teams pitch their best tactic, aiming for applause.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
High-energy, collaborative ideation builds excitement and breaks down silos. Fast relay-style makes creativity accessible and collective.
Real-World Migration Dilemma
Present a true dilemma: 'You’re midway through a migration, and a key team publicly pushes back. What do you do next?' Give participants 2 minutes to jot their gut response, then discuss varied approaches and their outcomes.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Real dilemmas create urgency and relevance; sharing responses builds practical wisdom and demystifies leadership action.
Migration Memories Reflection
Wrap with a guided reflection: 'Recall the last migration you led—what’s one moment you wish you’d handled differently, and what would you do now?' Invite participants to jot or share, connecting today’s learning to their own story.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Personal reflection deepens retention and commitment; connecting new skills to real memories increases transfer to future action.
Sign up to unlock 3 more activities
Get the full pack, facilitation flow, and more ready-to-run ideas.