The Agile Name

The Agile Name is a game that tests participants' ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Through two iterations, players experience the difficulties of multitasking and observe the impacts on their performance. This game is ideal for raising awareness among teams about the limits of multitasking and fostering collective consciousness.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and Objectives

   10 min

   The facilitator presents the game and its objectives: to demonstrate the limits of multitasking. They explain that participants will undergo an experience in two iterations to observe the impact of multitasking on their effectiveness. The basic rules are presented: each participant will have a task to accomplish simultaneously with others.

   Tip — Use concrete examples from professional life to illustrate the impact of multitasking.

2. 2

   First Iteration

   15 min

   Participants form a circle. The facilitator hands each person a card with a name. Each participant must say their name while receiving and passing a ball to another participant, creating a continuous flow. The goal is to maintain the fluidity of the process despite the distraction.

   Tip — Encourage participants to maintain a steady pace to maximise the effect of the multiple task.

3. 3

   Debrief of the First Iteration

   10 min

   The facilitator invites participants to share their feelings about the difficulty of the task. They ask questions about perceived concentration and effectiveness. Participants discuss the mistakes made and ways to avoid them.

   Tip — Note key observations on a board for reference during the second iteration.

4. 4

   Second Iteration

   15 min

   Participants repeat the exercise, but this time with an additional task: they must also memorise and repeat the name of the person to whom they are passing the ball. The facilitator adds a time constraint to intensify the challenge.

   Tip — Add background music to increase distraction and simulate a more stressful environment.

5. 5

   Final Debrief

   20 min

   The facilitator leads a thorough debriefing. Participants compare the two iterations and discuss performance differences. The facilitator asks questions about the lessons learned regarding multitasking and concentration.

   Tip — Encourage participants to propose strategies for improving their task management in daily life.

Variants

• Add a third task, such as solving a simple puzzle, to increase complexity.
• Conduct the game outdoors to add environmental distractions.
• Limit the time of each iteration to intensify stress and urgency.