Building agile fluency at scale
Context
The IJK Group was seeking to unlock operational efficiency and innovation in the organisation through agile methodologies. They were looking for a partner to deliver an engaging training to 200 employees at the same time to help them learn, understand, and practice the application of the 12 principles from the agile manifesto.
We took on the challenge, crafting an immersive session that explored the implementation of agile principles in their way of work. Through an engaging simulation, participants grasped the essentials of these agile habits and behaviours, and learned how to iteratively apply them as part of their project management practices at work.
Objectives
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Engage all 200 employees: Ensure high participation and enthusiasm throughout the training.
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Embed agile practices: Help participants deeply understand and apply the 12 agile principles, so they can develop habits and behaviours that have the greatest impact at work.
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Foster a fun environment: Create an environment where participants have fun while getting to learn something new.
Format
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In-person training to facilitate real-time interaction and collaboration
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+200 participants, divided in 29 teams of 6-7 persons each
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Interactive and engaging simulation-based experience
Activity description
Storyline
Across three building rounds, all 29 teams had to construct a brand new holiday resort while facing evolving requirements, diverse roles, client feedback, and the constant challenge of delivering value.
Following each round, a dedicated team reflection session allowed teams to analyse their process and identify areas for improvement, solidifying their learnings and refining their approach to agile project management.
Agile elements
Throughout the simulation, participants were introduced to the 12 principles of the agile manifesto — such as iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptive planning. Teams navigated changing requirements, and client feedback, learning to embrace flexibility and prioritise customer value.
Each round emphasised collaboration and communication, with participants assuming diverse roles to ensure a holistic understanding of Agile practices.
Involvement
To effectively engage 200 participants simultaneously, we developed a unique “train-the-trainer” format. IJK colleagues were trained to facilitate different roles during the simulation. This increased the level of engagement across the board.
Additionally, breakout sessions and collaborative tools promoted active interaction and knowledge exchange throughout the program. Teams worked in parallel, sharing their progress and insights in regular check-ins, fostering a sense of community and collective learning.