Testing Agile

In today’s professional world, incredibly influenced by AI, it’s easy to overlook the importance of emotions and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Yet, building emotionally intelligent teams is crucial for success, especially in Agile environments where collaboration and adaptability are key. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in an L&D session where we played the “Elephants and Riders” cards game—a powerful tool that brings emotions to the forefront and promotes better team dynamics.

The Significance of being part of a Community

This session, organized by our L&D Community founders, was about more than just networking or skill-building. It was about creating a safe space where individuals could reflect, share experiences, and grow together. The goal was to build a community that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement. Through activities like the “Elephants and Riders” game, we tackled deeper questions around emotions, leadership, and decision-making. These exercises reminded us that strong emotional connections can significantly enhance team performance.

The game was part of our broader commitment to fostering a non-judgmental, inclusive, and innovative space, where professionals in L&D could come together to help each other grow. Whether discussing personal stories or brainstorming new ideas, the focus was always on building meaningful connections.

The Emotional Culture Deck: Unlocking Emotions in Agile Teams

At the heart of the session was the Emotional Culture Deck from Riders & Elephants. This card deck is designed to help individuals and teams articulate and explore their emotions. In a typical Agile environment, where cross-functional teams work closely together, emotions often influence collaboration, decision-making, and communication—whether we realize it or not. The game encourages participants to talk about the emotions they feel and want to experience at work. This awareness can help prevent misunderstandings, resolve conflicts faster, and enhance the overall team dynamic.

The Emotional Culture Deck reveals a wide range of emotions that individuals might experience on any given day. By openly discussing how we want to feel and what might hinder those feelings, we can work proactively to create a positive and emotionally supportive work environment. This is critical in Agile settings, where emotional intelligence is just as important as technical skills in maintaining high-performing teams.

Through this exercise, we collectively decided on key emotions we wanted to foster in our L&D community:

• Inspiration: A shared sense of motivation and creativity.
• Connection: Building stronger bonds and trust within the team.
• Non-judgment: Creating a safe space where everyone feels heard.
• Curiosity: Encouraging a constant desire to learn and grow.
• Open-mindedness: Embracing new perspectives and ideas.

Emotional Awareness at work

In Dynamic teams, where the ability to quickly pivot and adapt to change is essential, emotions can break or make a project. Teams that understand each other on an emotional level are more likely to communicate effectively and work harmoniously. The “Elephants and Riders” cards help reveal the often unspoken emotions that can either drive or hinder progress. This kind of emotional transparency is especially important in Agile, where collaboration and iteration are constant.

By using the Emotional Culture Deck, teams can identify potential emotional blockers early on. For example, if team members feel anxious or overwhelmed, those emotions could negatively impact the sprint’s progress. On the other hand, fostering emotions like confidence, enthusiasm, and trust can lead to better collaboration, creative problem-solving, and higher overall productivity.

My Personal Takeaways from the Game

Personally, playing the “Elephants and Riders” game was both eye-opening and refreshing. It allowed me to reflect on my own emotions and how they influence my work within a team. It also made me realize how important it is to acknowledge and validate the emotions of others. These insights are not only applicable to L&D but also essential for thriving in any workplace.

By understanding the emotional landscape of a team, we can create an environment where everyone feels supported, safe, heard, and motivated to do their best work. In Agile, where flexibility and collaboration are paramount, emotional intelligence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Why Emotional Intelligence and Community Matter

For professionals working in Agile environments, emotional intelligence is just as important as technical know-how. Agile practices emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, but these goals can only be achieved when teams communicate effectively and support each other emotionally. The Emotional Culture Deck offers a simple yet powerful way to facilitate these conversations, making it easier for teams to connect on a deeper level.

By building emotionally intelligent teams, managers can help foster a more supportive and productive work environment. Openly discussing emotions and fostering positive emotional states leads to better decision-making, increased trust, and more innovative problem-solving.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Reflecting on this experience with the L&D Community, it’s clear that emotional intelligence and strong community bonds are key to thriving in today’s Agile workplaces. Tools like the “Elephants and Riders” cards bring emotions into focus and allow teams to communicate more effectively, collaborate better, and ultimately achieve more.

For anyone working in Agile environments—or any team-focused organization—I highly recommend integrating emotional awareness into your day-to-day practices. By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen your team’s performance but also create a more fulfilling and positive work culture.

If you haven’t joined a community like this yet, now is the perfect time. Engage, contribute to discussions, and embrace the opportunity for both personal and professional growth.