Game On! How an Agile Game Helped Us Connect and Grow

My colleagues and I were huddled. Together, we had tackled four furious iterations, and we were about to head into the last. We had learnt a lot along the way, most specifically that time was not on our side. Everything was riding on what we did next. With laser-sharp focus Jeremy picked up a ping pong ball. 

“OK, Let’s do this”.

Agile Games – Recess for Grown-ups?

In a world dominated by deadlines, KPI’s and targets, Agile games can be a breath of fresh air. These interactive activities can infuse the workplace with enthusiasm, creativity, and a healthy dose of fun. Agile games embrace the principles of Agile methodologies and can inject playfulness into team dynamics. They can encourage collaboration, boost morale, and support team connectedness in more ways than one.

Much like recess did when we were younger, Agile games are a chance for people to put aside the divisions that come with company structure and interact. They don’t rely on expert knowledge, years of experience or popularity. Instead, they offer a level playing field where people can… well… play. 

In short, Agile games can help build teams.

The Magic of Team Building

Team building is like a secret ingredient that transforms a group of individuals into a cohesive and high-performing team. It fosters trust, improves communication, and enhances problem-solving skills. Traditional team-building exercises can be pretty uninspiring. That’s where Agile games step in, offering a refreshing approach that ignites engagement and sparks joy.

Did our Agile game deliver this for us?

You bet it did!

Our Agile game generated a variety of outputs. There was a lot of laughter. There was impressive focus. There was a game-changing ah-ha moment. We also had a 100% participation rate. All of these things were made possible because we were connecting, we were communicating, we were working as a team.

The game we chose – was the ball point game.

What is the Ball Point Game?

The ball point game is the perfect combination of competition and collaboration. It’s designed to highlight the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability. The objective is simple: as a team, keep as many balls in the air as possible within a set timeframe. But here’s the twist—there are rules and constraints that mimic the challenges faced in the real world.

How Does the Ball Point Game Help Team Building?

• It’s inclusive. The rules of the game are simple so anyone in an organization can participate and benefit from the lessons learnt. It doesn’t require any prior knowledge, so everyone in the room is an expert and the contributions of every team member has value.

• It’s safe. The game creates an atmosphere where participants are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment. It creates an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than as personal shortcomings. The only consequence is learning.

• It breaks down communication silos. The ball point game breaks down communication barriers, as team members must coordinate their actions to achieve a common goal. It encourages open dialogue, active listening, and the sharing of information in real-time.

• It lets collaboration take center stage. Successful ball point game strategies require collaboration and cooperation. Teams quickly learn the importance of dividing tasks, supporting one another, and adapting their approach based on the changing dynamics of the game.

• It showcases what Agile is all about. Just like in the fast-paced business environment, the ball point game demands agility and adaptability. Teams must learn to react swiftly to new information, adjust their strategies, and find innovative ways to keep the balls in the air.

• It’s fun! Laughter isn’t just the best medicine, it’s the secret ingredient that can turn an ordinary team-building activity into an extraordinary one. Humor not only lightens the atmosphere but also strengthens team bonds. Agile games can help foster a lighthearted environment where everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

• It reminds us to celebrate even the small victories. In the pursuit of achieving team goals, it’s crucial to celebrate even the smallest victories. Every successful catch, every coordinated move deserves a round of applause. Acknowledging and celebrating these accomplishments boosts team morale and reinforces the spirit of collaboration.

Because our game was held as the first activity of a staff retreat, it helped set the tone of what was to follow. There was a genuine atmosphere of camaraderie and good will. 

Life After Ball Point: What’s Next?

Our session gave everyone in our organization a (very positive) common experience and ensured we’ve all had the opportunity to test-drive Agile. This was particularly valuable for our Operations and Marketing teams who are working to develop our Agile practice.

While we may not have yet reached the Agile maturity level of our Development team colleagues, the ball point game offers us a helpful point of reference as we progress towards it. We can use it as we reflect on our current practices as a point of calibration.

Like the Rosetta Stone, we can also use it to help us communicate better between teams. It offers us a common language and an opportunity to learn from each other.

Having returned to our various work spaces (we’re a hybrid team), the strong connections the game helped to grow remain apparent, especially during our cross-team activities. 

Will we play another Agile game?

You bet we will!

In a world where work often feels like a series of tasks, Agile games remind us to infuse our professional lives with a playful spirit. 

While the ball point game proved itself to be a wonderful tool for team building, the world of Agile games offers many, many options to cater to diverse team dynamics and objectives. From collaborative puzzles to creative storytelling games, Agile games provide endless opportunities to nurture teamwork, enhance communication, and unleash creativity.

So, gather your team and grab those balls, and embark on a journey where collaboration, communication, and camaraderie are the true champions. Get ready to witness the magic of Agile games as your team bonds, grows, and achieves extraordinary things together. 

Game on!