ELMO stands for “Enough, Let’s Move On” and is a method that helps teams stay focused during meetings or workshops. Instead of verbally interrupting, participants hold up a card with the ELMO character to signal: “This topic has been discussed enough, let’s move on.”
The method is used both in physical meetings (holding the card visibly) and in virtual meetings (showing the card to the camera or posting a symbol in the chat).
Practical Relevance
- Maintaining focus: Prevents discussions from drifting into unnecessary detail or dragging on.
- Time management: Especially valuable in meetings with a fixed agenda (e.g., refinements, retrospectives).
- Low-threshold intervention: Allows participants to send a signal without harsh words – supporting constructive communication.
- Team culture: Encourages responsibility and participation since everyone is allowed to use the method.
Real-World Examples
E-Commerce Refinement:
A team debates for too long about edge cases of a User Story. One person raises the ELMO card, others join. The group decides to clarify details later with fewer participants.
Impact: The meeting stays within time, the atmosphere remains neutral, and the discussion remains focused.
Retrospective:
During a debate about team roles, the conversation drifts away from the topic. Several team members raise ELMO. The facilitator summarizes briefly and transitions to the next agenda item.
Impact: The team feels heard while keeping the retrospective on track.
Training or Workshop:
In a workshop with 20 participants, discussions dive too deeply into specifics. ELMO is used to bring the group back on track.
Impact: The group refocuses on the main agenda without confrontation.
Implementation in Practice
- Explain introduction: Before the first use, explain the purpose of the ELMO card and emphasize responsible usage.
- Distribute cards: Each team member receives a physical card or a digital equivalent.
- Use the signal: When a team member raises the card, others can agree by raising theirs, or the discussion continues if more input is needed.
- Facilitation: The moderator acknowledges the signal and either closes the topic or confirms whether further discussion is necessary.
- NEMO as counterpart: Some teams also use NEMO (“Not Enough, More Of”) – a signal that more discussion or detail is desired.
Anti-Patterns
- Overuse: Using ELMO too frequently frustrates participants or cuts off valuable discussions.
- Power imbalance: If leaders dominate the use of the card, it can intimidate others.
- Unclear rules: Without clear guidelines, the signal may be misunderstood.
CALADE Perspective
For CALADE, ELMO is a practical micro-tool for agile teams, trainings, and workshops. Its value lies in strengthening participation, making meetings more efficient, and providing teams with a simple mechanism for self-organization and focus. The tool should always be embedded in a trust-based team culture to work effectively.
Related Terms
- Facilitation – moderation techniques for teams
- Retrospective – meeting for reflection and improvement
- Refinement – collaborative backlog item preparation
- Timeboxing – time-limiting discussions
- Working Agreements – shared team rules for collaboration
← back to list