Agile Topics Cards

The Agile Topics Cards are a set of 163 cards, each representing a theme related to agility. This game is designed to stimulate discussion, learning, and creativity within teams. Used in various contexts such as retrospectives, Lean Coffees, or storytelling sessions, it allows for deeper knowledge and encourages the sharing of experiences.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction to the game

   10 min

   The facilitator introduces the game and its creator, Jimmy Janlén, briefly explaining the categories of cards (Practices, Discussion Topics, Theories). They then distribute the deck of cards to the participants and explain that the goal is to stimulate discussions on various agile themes.

   Tip — Use a concrete example of a card to illustrate how a discussion can be initiated.

2. 2

   Choosing the context for use

   5 min

   The facilitator invites participants to choose from the nine contexts for using the cards as described by Jimmy Janlén, such as retrospective or Lean Coffee. It is important to consider the current needs of the team to select the most relevant context.

   Tip — Plan to briefly describe each context to help participants make an informed choice.

3. 3

   Distribution of cards

   5 min

   Depending on the chosen context, the facilitator distributes the appropriate number of cards to each participant (for example, 5 cards for a retrospective). Participants take a few minutes to read their cards and choose the ones that inspire them the most.

   Tip — Encourage participants to share why a particular card resonates with them.

4. 4

   Discussion and exchanges

   20 min

   Participants share the cards they have chosen and engage in discussions around the themes. The facilitator ensures that each participant has the opportunity to express themselves and facilitates exchanges by asking open-ended questions.

   Tip — Use the round-robin technique to ensure everyone participates actively.

5. 5

   Closure and synthesis

   10 min

   The facilitator summarises the main points discussed and the ideas that emerged. They invite participants to reflect on how these new perspectives can be integrated into their daily work.

   Tip — Ask each participant to share one action or thought they are taking away with them.

Variants

• Use the cards for a storytelling exercise by building a story around 4 drawn cards.
• Organise a Lunch & Learn by drawing 5 cards and selecting a topic for a future presentation.
• Define a theme of the week by drawing a card and displaying it in the workspace.