The Teamwork Oscars

This exercise was created for practicing Benne and Sheats’s group roles (although it might be adapted for any other similar classification). It does so by asking teams to resolve text puzzles (derived from popular teamwork fables) while at the same time team members are acting various group roles. Based on their performance the teams (as well as the individuals) might be awarded Oscars. The exercise…

The Workplace Equations

This exercise drives a meaningful discussion on what satisfaction and motivation is in the workplace. It does this through the metaphors of Heaven and Hell, organizational storytelling and various elements of gamification. Furthermore the exercise could be used by teams to derive their own Workplace Equations (based on their specific understandings / perceptions of satisfaction and motivation) and then use these equations to continuously monitor…

Collage of Sketches of Tulsa Agile Practitioners Meetup

Face Facts

Purpose: To welcome new members into a group and continue to build relationships with existing members. It could be used as an ongoing team builder or once as an icebreaker with useful artifacts as an output. Supplies: Things to write on e.g. paper, index cards, etc Things to write with e.g. pen, pencil, marker, etc Post-it notes Tape or repositionable glue (recommended) At the beginning,…

Video Scrum

Overview Scrum Video is an unique in its kind and extremely addictive simulation of Scrum. Teams during several Sprints create and show video films on free or given by the facilitator topics. Is it cool? We (coaches of Unusual Concepts company) played Video Scrum many times during last 2 years on our Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Professional Scrum Master (PSM) (additional 3rd day) classes.…

Story cube time line

Timing Between 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Allow 5-10 minutes to debrief Materials Rory’s Story Cubes set Overview A game with “story cubes” and a lot of insight for teams.  Easy to adapt to your needs, and get the best value of “good” things. Allow people to talk openly and exchange points of view. The timeline could be 12-6-3 months or a project debrief. Instructions Step 1:…