Learn to run agile game sessions

A fun and interactive way of teaching agile principles

game

Abstract

The facilitator's guides for the games we showed you can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/agile-games

Thanks for joining us!

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While some may be lucky enough to work in completely agile organisations, where everyone understands the value of how we work, this isn’t a reality for most people.

The best way to learn is to experience working in an agile environment. However, with new team members or reluctant stakeholders, sometimes you don’t have the luxury of time. Games can be an engaging and reliable way to create the conditions that demonstrate the power of following agile principles.

In this interactive session we’ll demonstrate two (or more!) of our favourite agile games, including:

- the coin game: teaches the value of short delivery windows over big bang delivery
- the ball game: teaches the value of retrospective

Then we’ll give you the chance to run them yourself! And answer questions about dealing with difficult stakeholders.

By the end of the session, delegates should feel confident to lead these games

Audience background

No prior experience of knowledge is required - just ability and willingness to follow some instructions.

Benefits of participating

By the end of the session, delegates should feel confident to lead these games in their own organisations.

Materials provided

Plastic coins and foam balls

Process

Facilitator to demonstrate game with delegates acting as participants (i.e. playing the game). The facilitator will then explain the learning outcomes from the game, share their experience of running it - with particular focus on when things have gone wrong and how they've dealt with it, and a Q&A. Volunteers will then run themselves, with the facilitator and other delegates providing feedback.

Detailed timetable

00:00 - 00:10 intro
00:10 - 00:20 facilitator runs coin game
00:20 - 00:30 facilitator explains process/pitfalls and takes questions
00:30 - 00:40 delegates run coin game and receive feedback
00:40 - 00:50 facilitator runs ball game
00:50 - 00:60 facilitator explains process/pitfalls and takes questions
00:60 - 00:70 delegates run coin game and receive feedback
00:70 - 00:75 wrap up

Outputs

N/A

History

All three of us have run these games numerous times at GDS and at other government departments.

Presenters

  1. Katy Armstrong
    MHCLG
  2. Xander Harrison
    Government Digital Service