On December 2, 2022, at the Effective IT Trainings headquarters, the anticipated Christmas demo of the Royal Garden simulation took place. Participants from Warsaw faced the challenge of building the most beautiful garden the world has ever seen.
Among them were people from various organizations who hold roles as directors, managers, PMs, PMO leaders, and business analysts. In the simulation, they randomly assumed roles, often different from those they perform every day. They were, among others, a florist, plumber, official, architect, project manager (PM), and visionary. Despite the naming, all characters reflected the team structure according to Agile PM.
Collaboration was not made easy from the start, as everyone was divided into 2 teams (management and development), stationed in 2 different rooms. On the tables, there were boards, role cards, character cards (additional characters), knowledge cards, bosquets and their descriptions, etc. There were tasks to be completed, which were divided according to MoSCoW, within a specific time and budget. After each phase of work, there was a summary and planning of further actions. Participants noted emerging problems and observed how quickly they overcame subsequent obstacles. A retrospective was also conducted.
At the end, participants were asked for their opinions about participating in the Royal Garden simulation. They noted the quick integration of teams, which accelerated work. An important element was also the high engagement (not everyone wanted to go on breaks, they quickly embraced their roles, willingly collaborated and communicated). They also liked the workshop format and the translation to a simulated environment (building a garden), which initially seemed trivial but actually reflected a project. Thanks to the interesting storyline, frequent role changes, and engagement, participants were pulled out of their habits and established patterns.
See for yourself what the challenges in Warsaw looked like.
Photo report:
Read Also
- Photo Report from the Christmas Royal Garden Demo
- Photo Report from Royal Garden Demo - Warsaw, March 8, 2024
- Photo Report from Royal Garden Simulation Demo in Krakow
Read also
- Photo Report from Royal Garden Simulation Demo in Wrocław
- Photo Report from Royal Garden Simulation Demo in Katowice
- Photo Report from Royal Garden Simulation Demo in Krakow
Frequently Asked Questions
What roles do participants take on during the Royal Garden simulation?
Participants are randomly assigned roles such as florist, plumber, official, architect, project manager, and visionary. These roles reflect the team structure according to Agile PM methodology and are intentionally different from participants’ everyday positions to encourage fresh perspectives and break established patterns.
How are teams organized in the simulation?
Participants are divided into management and development teams, stationed in separate rooms to simulate real organizational dynamics. Each team works with boards, role cards, knowledge cards, and task lists prioritized using MoSCoW methodology, creating an authentic project management experience.
What feedback did participants give about the Christmas edition in Warsaw?
Participants praised the quick team integration that accelerated work, the high level of engagement throughout the session, and the creative workshop format. They particularly valued how the garden-building scenario, while initially seeming trivial, accurately reflected the complexity and challenges of real project work.
Can the Royal Garden simulation be customized for a corporate holiday event?
Yes, EITT regularly organizes themed editions of the Royal Garden simulation, including Christmas and other seasonal formats. The core Agile learning objectives remain intact while the event atmosphere is enhanced with festive elements, making it an ideal choice for year-end team gatherings.