Agile Game: Chairs for Team Self-Organization
This is an online version of the classic Agile game "Chairs" that teaches teams about the power of self-organization. It's a great icebreaker for new teams, a great addition to a Team Kickoff, and it works great in Retros for existing teams that need a refresher about self-organization. I've included some variations... reach out to me if you have ideas for more!
Participants: 2 or more
Time: 1 minute per round plus debrief
Objective: Do as many steps as possible in one minute.
Preparation
Pair up into teams of 2, with one person as the "manager" and the other as a "worker". If there is a team of 3, then only one person can be the "manager".
Each team picks a team number and will use the post-it below with the corresponding color.
Rules (Round 1 only)
Using your named post-it, each "worker" can only move up, down, left, or right one step at a time. Each square in the grid is one step.
A "worker" may only move from square to square, and around the chairs. They may not climb over/on the chair.
A "worker" can only move if and when the "manager" tells them to do so by giving them the direction (U-D-L-R). The "worker" may not step in the circle, and must stay within their square.
Once the round starts, the "workers" may not speak - they may only execute the steps as directed by the manager.
The "manager" defines a minimum number of steps for their team. They may or may not consult their "worker" for this.
The "manager" counts and keeps track of their own team's steps.
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