Strategy · Creativity
Cover Story
Teams design the magazine cover that will celebrate their success three years from now: headline, quotes, numbers and pictures.
Quick answer
How do you run Cover Story with a team?
Teams design the magazine cover that will celebrate their success three years from now: headline, quotes, numbers and pictures. Duration: 1 hour. Group size: 6–80 people. Setting: Hybrid. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Group size
- 6–80 people
- Setting
- Hybrid
- Energy level
- Calm
- Materials
- Large paper or a cover template, Markers, magazines for collage, scissors, glue, Or a digital template
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
Objective
Align on an ambitious, shared picture of the future.
Materials
- Large paper or a cover template
- Markers, magazines for collage, scissors, glue
- Or a digital template
Step by step
- Explain the frame: a well-known business magazine features your team in three years.
- Teams of 4–6 create the cover in 40 minutes: headline, sub-headings, quotes, a key number and visuals.
- Each team presents its cover in 3 minutes.
- The room marks common themes and differences.
- Agree two first steps that would make the story real.
Facilitator tips
- Push for specific numbers and customer quotes.
- Display the covers for the rest of the retreat.
Variations
- Hybrid: remote groups use a digital template and present on screen.
Accessibility
Drawing skills are not needed; words, collage or a digital template work just as well.
