(this exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Geoff Watts, credit to Paul Z Jackson from his book) Timings: 5 mins exercises, 5 min debrief Materials: An even number of participants, usually run at the start of the class/event as an introductory exercise Instructions: People stand in two lines, opposite their partner. Each person gives three statements about their partner,…
Upside Downside
This exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Paul Goddard Timing: 30-45 minutes (depending upon the complexity, emotion or controversy around the topic) Materials: None Instructions: This is typically used in retrospectives but could be used by teams to critique or evaluate potential options at any time. Split the group into two even-sized sub-groups One of the sub-groups has the…
Story Spines
Simon Bennett generously introduced us to this game during the Scrum Trainers Retreat in Amsterdam in 2010. It is a common improv game Timing: 15 minutes Materials: 6 Chairs Pre-prepared index cards with story element structures (See below) Instructions: Preparation Set out 6 chairs in a row from left to right On chair 1 place an index card with the following words: “Once upon a…
Once Upon A Time In Legoland
This exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Paul Goddard Timing: 60 minutes Materials: A lot of Lego (Optional) A Digital Camera and Photo printer Instructions: Preparation Ask the group to come up with: a person from history, a colour and an object. Construct a title out of these e.g. The story of Napoleon and the yellow pillow Set the…
Movements of a Hypnotic Nature
This exercise was graciously and generously shared with the Scrum training community by Brent Barton back in 2007 Timing: 60-90 minutes Materials: Play-doh, rubber bands, golf balls, golf tees and rulers Instructions: I need a new product for my unique company called “Movements of a Hypnotic Nature.” You have been selected as participants because of your skill and past performance. I want each team to…