Update: In the meantime I created an entire Agile Game Collection, including this game (with downloadable images, a visual cheat sheet, as well as video and written instructions).
As an agile coach or leader, you’ve probably encountered the struggle between command-and-control and empowering teams. I’ve played the Boss-Worker Game in various agile trainings and workshops, and it never fails to provide new insights. It anchors the feeling of how crucial servant leadership, delegating decision-making power, and trusting teams are for moving quickly and effectively. Plus, it’s always a lot of fun—a perfect pick-me-up for that post-lunch dip!
If you struggle with resistance to change in your environment, you might also want to read How to Overcome Resistance to Change in Agile Transformations.
Why This Game Is a Game-Changer
The Boss-Worker Game is more than just an activity; it’s a powerful tool to raise awareness about the impact of traditional leadership styles versus agile, servant leadership. As agile coaches and leaders, we often preach the importance of self-managing teams and trusting our people to make decisions. But experiencing the difference firsthand? That’s where real understanding begins.
The Game: A Practical Exploration
Setup
The game is best played inside. We want the space to be restricted, so that people cannot easily move without bumping into walls, objects or other people. Most workshop or conference rooms work well. It can help to deliberately place a few obstacles like chairs in the room, so that participants cannot easily get around them.
The goal of the game will be to take as many steps as possible in one minute.
Round 1: Command-and-Control Reality
In the first round, participants split into pairs, with one person acting as the “Boss” and the other as the “Worker.” The Boss stands behind the Worker, giving commands like “forward,”, “stop”, “turn left,” and “turn right,” to see how many steps the Worker can take in one minute. The Worker has no autonomy and must follow the Boss’s directives. The boss can only use the four commands – they’re not allow to show or touch the Worker. This setup replicates a traditional top-down approach, where decision-making is centralized.
Start the timer and let the chaos begin. Workers will bump into each other and into obstacles frequently, especially when the space is restricted. Bosses will likely be pretty busy with struggling to prevent their Workers from harm, while having them make as many steps as possible.
When time is up, ask the teams about how many steps they made. Not the results on flip chart.
Round 2: Embracing Servant Leadership
For the second round, we switch things up. The roles are reversed, the Worker becomes the Boss and vice versa. It’s only fair. But before the participants want to get going again, announce the change for this second round: The new Bosses now embody the principles of servant leadership. They focus on removing obstacles and creating an optimal environment for the Workers, who now have the freedom to decide their path. The goal remains to maximize steps, but this time, Workers experience autonomy and empowerment. This round provides a glimpse into what “managing” self-managing teams might feel like—facilitating rather than dictating, guiding rather than controlling.
When time is up, note down the results again. Usually the steps taken in round two dwarf those from round one. Plus, the number of accidents with objects and other participants (we might call them “dependencies” or “constraints”) is usually also reduced drastically.
Trust: The Agile Imperative
One of the most profound lessons from this game is the importance of trust in an agile culture. For many leaders, the idea of relinquishing control can be daunting. However, the Boss-Worker Game vividly demonstrates how micromanagement can hold back productivity and stifle creativity. By trusting workers to make their own decisions, leaders can foster a more dynamic and responsive work environment. This game provides a safe space to explore these dynamics and challenges leaders to reflect on their own practices.
Check out How Positive Intent Transforms Agile Team Dynamics for Better Productivity for another angle on trust and the impact it has on performance.
Reflection and Insights
Post-game reflection is where the magic happens. We encourage participants to share their feelings and observations. Here are a few questions you could ask:
- How did it feel to give or follow commands in the first round?
- What was the experience of enabling versus controlling in the second round?
- How does trust (or the lack thereof) impact team dynamics and productivity?
These discussions are invaluable, as they offer a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional shifts that occur when transitioning to an agile, servant-leader mindset.
Why This Matters for Agile Coaches and Leaders
As agile coaches and leaders, our mission is to create environments where teams can thrive, innovate, and deliver value quickly. The Boss-Worker Game is a practical and impactful way to illustrate the power of servant leadership and the benefits of self-managing teams. It helps participants internalize these concepts and see their practical application in a fun and engaging way.
So, what are you waiting for? Incorporate the Boss-Worker Game into your next workshop or training session. It’s a fantastic way to break up the day, energize the room, and drive home the importance of trust and empowerment in agile teams. Let’s lead by example and embrace the change, making our workplaces better, more agile, and more human-centered.
Thank you for reading The Agile Compass. I’m Matthias, here to help you help those around you become agile.
If you want materials to download and in-depth facilitation tips, check out my Agile Games Collection – this game is part of it!