Daily Scrum From Hell

The 'Daily Scrum From Hell' is a serious game that simulates a dysfunctional Daily Scrum to identify harmful behaviours. Participants play different roles that disrupt the meeting, allowing for an understanding of negative dynamics and reflection on possible improvements. It is a playful and engaging exercise that highlights the importance of effective communication in agile teams.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and Context Setting

   10 min

   The facilitator begins by explaining the purpose of the workshop: 'Today, we will explore what can go wrong in a Daily Scrum by playing disruptive roles. The goal is to better understand harmful behaviours and their impacts.' Participants are invited to ask questions if they do not understand the concept.

   Tip — Use concrete examples of failed Daily Scrums to illustrate your point and capture the participants' attention.

2. 2

   Role Distribution

   10 min

   Each participant receives a role card describing a disruptive behaviour (e.g., 'the chatterbox', 'the silent one', 'the negative one', etc.). The facilitator clarifies: 'Your mission is to play this role during our mock Daily Scrum. Observe how this affects the group dynamic.'

   Tip — Ensure that each participant fully understands their role and its implications before starting the exercise.

3. 3

   Daily Scrum Simulation

   15 min

   The facilitator initiates the simulation: 'We will now start our Daily Scrum. Remember to play your role.' Participants interact according to their roles, creating a chaotic Daily Scrum. The facilitator observes and takes notes on key interactions.

   Tip — Encourage participants to fully immerse themselves in their roles to maximise the impact of the exercise.

4. 4

   Return to Normal

   5 min

   After the simulation, the facilitator asks participants to step out of their roles: 'Thank you for playing along. Let's return to our usual posture now.' This helps to refocus the group and prepare for the debriefing.

   Tip — Use a short break or a breathing exercise to help participants detach from their roles.

5. 5

   Debriefing and Reflection

   20 min

   The facilitator guides the debriefing by asking questions about the experience. The goal is to bring out awareness of the observed behaviours and their impacts. Participants share their feelings and discuss possible solutions to improve real Daily Scrums.

   Tip — Take notes on a board to visualise the key points raised by participants.

Variants

• Add additional role cards to explore other harmful behaviours.
• Conduct a second simulation with reversed roles to see how participants react.
• Incorporate a neutral observer who takes notes and shares their observations during the debriefing.