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🎲 The Six Spins

Each spin in Perinola represents a different type of engagement and responsibility. Here's what each one means and how to apply them:

🤝 Everyone Puts (Todos Ponen)

Pure collaborative session - Everyone contributes ideas, work, or feedback.
Recommended Energy Level: 🧠 Medium energy

When to use:

  • Project kickoffs
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Team retrospectives
  • Problem-solving workshops
  • Strategic planning

Examples:

  • Design thinking workshops
  • Architecture decision meetings
  • Sprint planning sessions
  • Post-mortem discussions

❌ Not just sitting and listening passively

🎯 Take One (Toma Uno)

Small, focused task with immediate impact.
Recommended Energy Level: ⚡ Low energy

When to use:

  • Bug fixes
  • Quick improvements
  • Tactical execution
  • Testing tasks
  • Documentation updates

Examples:

  • Fix a specific bug
  • Update a configuration
  • Write a unit test
  • Review a pull request
  • Update team wiki

❌ Not complex or open-ended tasks

🚀 Take Two (Toma Dos)

Micro-project or feature ownership - bigger than Take One, smaller than Take All.
Recommended Energy Level: 🔋 Medium to high energy

When to use:

  • Feature development
  • Technical improvements
  • Process optimization
  • Tool implementation

Examples:

  • Implement a new API endpoint
  • Design a component library
  • Set up monitoring dashboard
  • Create automation script
  • Research and prototype solution

❌ Not vague responsibilities with no scope

💡 Put One (Pon Uno)

Give back to the team - mentoring, documentation, or supporting others.
Recommended Energy Level: 💬 Low to medium energy

When to use:

  • Knowledge sharing
  • Helping teammates
  • Creating resources
  • Cross-training

Examples:

  • Pair programming session
  • Write technical documentation
  • Mentor junior team member
  • Create learning materials
  • Support another team member's task

❌ Not micromanaging or unsolicited help

🔄 Put Two (Pon Dos)

Accountability moment - What are you contributing to the team community?
Recommended Energy Level: 🔄 Medium energy

When to use:

  • Demos and presentations
  • Knowledge sharing sessions
  • Process improvements
  • Community building

Examples:

  • Present your work to the team
  • Write a blog post about learnings
  • Organize a lunch & learn
  • Contribute to open source
  • Share insights with other teams

❌ Not performative updates with no learning

👑 Take All (Toma Todo)

Full leadership of an iteration or initiative - you're in charge this round!
Recommended Energy Level: 💥 High energy

When to use:

  • Sprint leadership
  • Project management
  • Facilitation
  • Decision making

Examples:

  • Lead the sprint as Scrum Master
  • Facilitate team meetings
  • Own a complete feature delivery
  • Coordinate cross-team initiative
  • Drive architectural decisions

❌ Not giving orders without owning outcomes

🎯 Choosing Your Spin

Spins can be determined through:

🎲 Random Assignment

Use a digital spinner or draw cards for variety and surprise.

🎯 Strategic Assignment

Match spins to current team needs and individual strengths.

🔄 Rotation System

Systematically rotate through spins to ensure everyone experiences all roles.

🙋 Self-Selection

Let team members choose based on their current capacity and interests.

🤝 Collaborative Decision

Discuss as a team and assign spins collectively.

🎁 Bonus Spins (Optional or Situational)

  • 🧘 Zen Spin: Take a cycle to rest, recover, or declutter mentally. Great after intense sprints.
  • 🎭 Wildcard Spin: Let the team vote or surprise-assign a playful or unexpected responsibility.
  • 🧪 Experiment Spin: Dedicate time to explore new tools, workflows, or crazy ideas.