00:00:02: Hello and welcome to the series games podcast all about playful methods for interactive trainings and facilitation.

00:00:10: Let's get started.

00:00:11: And Welcome back to the serious games podcast, and today once again in Berlin.

00:00:16: I'm talking to Sylvia.

00:00:18: Sylvia Taylor um Sylvia builds adaptability capabilities for organizations and You created a game called the adaptive identity game card based experience, which I was fortunate to experience a couple of weeks ago at the series games for Series Change Meetup.

00:00:41: And yeah this game is really all about this big question who will you become next?

00:00:48: So i thought Why don't we unpack that in an hour and see how you make it work, where its coming from.

00:00:57: What triggered YOU to develop such a game?

00:01:00: And many more things!

00:01:02: So first of all welcome to the podcast Sylvia.

00:01:05: Thank You Julian.

00:01:06: It is so great to be here.

00:01:09: I'm really excited about this game.

00:01:11: just chat with you.

00:01:13: Oh absolutely, because I was just about to say and we know each other for...I don't know ten or more years i think right?

00:01:20: Yeah when you came to Berlin.

00:01:23: And then it's still the days of the Lego series play Meetup!

00:01:27: You started your liberating structures.

00:01:29: meet up.

00:01:31: yeah a lot things are going on.

00:01:32: so in first two minutes already mentioned a lot which will link into show notes but let get start with traditional questions.

00:01:41: What should our listeners know about you?

00:01:44: And how do explain the adaptive identity game in an elevator pitch style.

00:01:52: Two very good questions and two questions that I'm still reinventing on The Daily!

00:02:01: So what should people know about me, um...I have a very diverse background in industry And I think all of that has led me to where I am today.

00:02:14: So, when I used to be panicked about it... ...I'm now realizing its' all become a strength and

00:02:21: benefit.".

00:02:23: My company is called Flux at Work.

00:02:33: capability in their ability to adapt and deal with change so that they can do it.

00:02:38: With confidence, They Can Do It With Agency And They Can See Change Really.

00:02:44: Flip Their Mindset.

00:02:46: See Change Is An Opportunity Not As Chaos.

00:02:51: I Think I Have Started Doing That You Know In Many Traditional Ways.

00:02:56: So Workshops Talks as a fractional OD person coming in and looking at change, any type of change that's.

00:03:07: Coming like most recently AI.

00:03:11: how are we going to become an AI first company?

00:03:14: And what does it look like?

00:03:15: What looks like?

00:03:18: there is a lot there.

00:03:19: so I focus mostly on the people side have changed and i think from technical standpoint a clear element to call out because I am not a technical project manager.

00:03:54: I think also in the last couple of years, i have added more tools to my toolbox and in fact created one because i saw the need for it.

00:04:08: And that's the adaptive identity game.

00:04:11: but very much feel like using The collective intelligence is where we often fall short.

00:04:21: That how you know each other right?

00:04:23: Is liberating structures.

00:04:26: It's playful, but it is also very practical and they are miniature methods to get everyone involved in a safe way.

00:04:39: To have conversation about strategy or come up with ideas.

00:04:43: whatever you're doing at the group You could potentially do that far better using some kind of liberating structure In combination types of facilitation methods.

00:04:57: Let's do an episode on liberating structures, not now because you mentioned a lot of tools and then of course liberating structure one in many others but also decided to develop your own tool.

00:05:13: so let's unpack that little bit.

00:05:16: what is your thirty seconds for the adaptive identity game?

00:05:20: how would explain someone?

00:05:25: Right now I'm saying, so the adaptive identity game is not about finding a new job or reinventing yourself completely.

00:05:36: It's about discovering your new possibilities.

00:05:40: So it's a game about helping people build confidence that they'll be able to create value no matter what changes.

00:05:50: Got you!

00:05:50: Wow And I was asking that question before, also reflecting on your background because you think it goes together.

00:05:57: Right?

00:05:58: For me its important to understand who is the one created or designed a game but then obviously the topic of this game.

00:06:07: as he mentioned both answers are being reinvented or fine tuned and changed along with way.

00:06:19: your game sparks within a group.

00:06:22: Wow, let's go back to that moment when you... I don't know what was it?

00:06:29: Unhappiness with the tools that we already have or did see something or just emerge in one of our rooms and spaces where they think oh!

00:06:40: That would be wonderful if we could capture this moment.

00:06:43: What led us starting work on an own gain.

00:06:49: So it was very much a kismet moment in that I wasn't planning on it at all.

00:06:56: Every year, I go to Agilene Europe one of my favorite unconferences here and It's an open space concept so everyone is always invited to bring something.

00:07:06: And then that community...I am well known for bringing in things That are like the Oracle and Seeker game Like liberating structures.

00:07:16: Yeah!

00:07:19: I really, the idea kind of came after my third layoff which had then was going to ale anyway.

00:07:29: And i had remembered like people is interesting because friends kept asking me Like how are you not panicked?

00:07:37: This Is your Third Layoff.

00:07:40: How Are You So Calm and Your Bouncing Back so Quickly like I don't Tell Me how you do that.

00:07:47: And I realized that of course, i'd spent most of my career reinventing myself.

00:07:53: Like I had mentioned earlier and... ...I realize that I didn't ask myself who am I now?

00:08:01: Instead, I always asked myself what do I want to do next?

00:08:07: That shift is when I thought oh this would actually be a fun thing to bring to Ale also because I have read April Rini's book The Flux Mindset And in one of her superpowers is portfolio career and I realize that's exactly how i've been operating.

00:08:24: That's who am.

00:08:27: How can I help?

00:08:29: My agile community because those are the people, I'm going to go see Shifted.

00:08:34: The question Of Who Am I now like I'm getting?

00:08:37: I just had so many People in my life who were either getting laid off, worried that they would lose their agile coach job.

00:08:44: Their role no longer existed and had started to happen more over the recent years.

00:08:53: so I thought again this is a group of people to test it out on.

00:09:01: It has to be a collection of strengths, experiences.

00:09:04: Oh I'm a coach so metaphors are really powerful.

00:09:07: So i want to use metaphors in there and...I Really just wanted people To Be able to see What I saw In them.

00:09:16: like you Are SO capable.

00:09:18: You have so many things still yet to give And then so Many different combinations Like.

00:09:24: we Just need to find that!

00:09:27: put together skills and strengths traits and qualities, um metaphors and archetypes.

00:09:34: And I thought okay this will be a three card game...three cards or three decks!

00:09:40: ...and i will just bring this.

00:09:44: there's going to be twenty.

00:09:46: yeah twenty it'll be good because that'll be big enough for group because i also knew that my ahas often came when i was either in deep reflection Right, your ideas come when you're in the shower.

00:10:01: Or what I'm in conversation with someone who sees or hears something that I don't about.

00:10:07: What i've just said which is often wait?

00:10:11: That was brilliant.

00:10:12: What did I just say?

00:10:13: so like I didn't get that So I decided to debut it at ale and It on index cards.

00:10:25: but these words And I pitched it like, hey we are stuck in our rigid identities.

00:10:32: Stuck in this box of how we call ourselves.

00:10:35: let's try instead and re-imagine who could become the adaptive identity game?

00:10:43: I know!

00:10:43: It is a lame name but its fun game.

00:10:45: come check out!

00:10:47: And people did!

00:10:49: Wonderful.

00:10:50: So that was the story.

00:10:51: Yes yes How it came together.

00:10:54: We're going to zoom all those three decks and the metaphors, everything.

00:10:59: But yeah okay you got it.

00:11:02: so re-eventing portfolio career.

00:11:07: I'm gonna link Renee's book of course And The Oracle...I don't know if there is something around about The Oracles secret but not what we're just going to do in another

00:11:16: episode.

00:11:17: Oh yes!

00:11:17: There is.

00:11:18: It

00:11:18: is wonderful

00:11:20: It's intuition

00:11:21: Whatever whatever That's true.

00:11:24: And AO Of Course.

00:11:27: Now, walk us through the materials.

00:11:31: Okay?

00:11:31: So conversation game.

00:11:34: there are cards.

00:11:35: you said twenty not in total but twenty per deck and I'm going to put some pictures into podcasts also on show notes But just roughly walk us though so...

00:11:48: So i am taking them out of box now because lso love look at This, as soon.

00:11:55: I just had a very strong vision for these cards from the very beginning.

00:12:00: And so there are three decks.

00:12:03: As i mentioned in The Beginning There Are Strengths and Skills.

00:12:13: Those are representative of things that we can grow Things That We hopefully are good at, but also might not realize we're a good at and get it out again.

00:12:26: And there were words on right?

00:12:28: Yes sorry!

00:12:28: There's words

00:12:29: on the cards.

00:12:29: Can you give us some examples?

00:12:31: Yes so let see visualization.

00:12:37: I'm looking through active listening facilitation...and then why am i drawing all that?

00:12:45: choose your own word.

00:12:47: Okay, that's a special

00:12:50: word.

00:12:51: Yes Let's see improvisation systems thinking analytical thinking relationship building.

00:13:04: So these are all conflict resolution Right?

00:13:09: These are things that people regardless of what your role is These are the things you're either doing parts or are very good at doing because that's a big requirement of your role.

00:13:24: Deck number one, strength and skills.

00:13:28: Strength and skills.

00:13:30: the deck number two uh our traits in qualities.

00:13:34: so right descriptive words that support-and can support describing something okay playful

00:13:44: gotcha

00:13:45: bold curious, patient resilient hopeful.

00:13:56: And the new one that I just added today which i love rebellious

00:14:00: okay

00:14:02: analytical.

00:14:04: so right they

00:14:05: are

00:14:07: shades of.

00:14:09: potentially you could get uh analytical thinking.

00:14:15: and the trait or quality when we talk about mechanics.

00:14:21: Yes, but also these are words that can describe you as your character or you as of strength.

00:14:33: Okay, traits and qualities.

00:14:36: And then last deck is metaphors.

00:14:41: yes metaphors and archetypes because I wanted there to be right the human element.

00:14:51: And also another note about traits and qualities is that they're all positive.

00:14:57: Okay,

00:14:58: in fact All the cards of the deck are based on positive psychology.

00:15:03: Someone was asked me like.

00:15:04: why?

00:15:05: Is there no Like black sheep?

00:15:09: because it's not a metaphor in here.

00:15:11: I'm like.

00:15:11: well you could use bad and choose your own word but It doesn't really have a positive connotation for this part.

00:15:18: OK, gotcha.

00:15:19: So I chose not to put that in the deck.

00:15:23: but it doesn't mean someone else can add for themselves?

00:15:26: That's why those Joker cards choose your own word.

00:15:30: Cards they are there.

00:15:32: so if you know... If i'm in love with a word or description of equality

00:15:39: then I

00:15:40: am able to add even though its'nt on a card.

00:15:45: yet

00:15:49: there's the typical one like mentor, guide, explorer.

00:15:59: But I also added things like healer, sculptor, alchemist and i think that is very appropriate for Berlin DJ!

00:16:17: Right, so DJ is not necessarily a metaphor.

00:16:19: It's an actual job role but it has such as strong archetype of What people think or what you could use?

00:16:29: You can say that a dj does mm-hmm.

00:16:32: Okay and until he you surely mentioned like the positive positive psychology filter.

00:16:40: How did you come up with the first set, and then I understand that you are currently refining in just today.

00:16:47: You added the rebellious card but how do you... I mean twenty per deck?

00:16:56: That's not a lot!

00:16:58: Probably had way more.

00:17:02: What guided?

00:17:04: what is your balance when selecting?

00:17:09: The cards

00:17:09: I think even

00:17:10: was

00:17:12: yeah, I think for Especially for archetypes and metaphors.

00:17:18: I wanted it to be more role-based right human based because of course there are Like the Oracle and seeker right.

00:17:31: those potentially two could have been too archetypes the oracle The captain The goddess But I really wanted to not be on the spiritual side.

00:18:05: I'm describing myself as something that they couldn't be.

00:18:07: That's why i pushed the boundary a little bit with healer, but very purposefully didn't put doctor or nurse because those are actual job titles and there is no firefighter.

00:18:21: But theres fire starter.

00:18:26: I think, honestly it was randomly chose twenty because i thought gosh this deck is going to be huge.

00:18:34: Yes yes!

00:18:34: I need just pick the twenty that resonate now and could cross over with many different types of work and characteristics in how people see themselves.

00:18:50: so...I'm gonna try these twenty

00:18:54: And then you introduce them as three decks, but obviously they're in one box.

00:19:00: Yes!

00:19:00: They have different colors so that you can sort them.

00:19:04: But let's now look at the flow and how it develops.

00:19:08: So when would you decide to use the Adaptive Identity game?

00:19:17: What type of quest challenges or questions are there?

00:19:27: So, originally I thought oh this is really helpful for someone who's lost a job because they're feeling maybe uninspired and or if they've sent out a million CVs.

00:19:38: And there was you know gosh...I'm stuck in this way of thinking about myself but i also think it's for someone Who gets promoted?

00:19:50: Because essentially their taking on new role A new way that they have to show up.

00:19:57: Like a first-time leader, I've been a peer and now i'm a leader Someone who's even navigating at a new role.

00:20:08: because of AI like there There's a shift in the way that so many people are working from.

00:20:16: Oh those those tasks that our That once I was able to do or I was doing a machine or an agent is doing it, what does that free me up to do?

00:20:28: What could I

00:20:29: do?".

00:20:30: I think people who are returning into the workforce either from parental leave or...a mother.

00:20:38: Actually had a mother in The Last Playtest That I did In London Who came up To Me and she's like this Is exactly when i needed!

00:20:48: I am getting back Into trying to rediscover Who am I now after being out of?

00:20:55: you know my career field for two years and so much has changed?

00:21:00: Yes,

00:21:01: but I'm still have value that.

00:21:03: I want to give.

00:21:05: So i think it could be also For People who are returning to work After burnout.

00:21:11: right they haven't.

00:21:13: Or maybe They've done a lot Of thinking about who they Are in what they Want To do.

00:21:18: New newbies.

00:21:19: so I Also had some young graduates who did the play test, and they were both... The two that had I think most fun where the psychology students.

00:21:33: Who we're thinking?

00:21:34: wow this is something has really helped me realize that i don't have to put myself in one box To go into do work what want be doing In fact so much more than bringing So many capabilities etc.

00:21:51: Okay,

00:21:52: so a really diverse and group or versatile tool to help anyone again getting out of this stuck ending in maybe recognizing or seeing that.

00:22:09: Oh, it is always the same story I share about myself.

00:22:12: Always the same boxes?

00:22:14: Oh!

00:22:14: Always the Same Draws...always The Same Way.

00:22:16: and maybe that Story That i tell to Myself And Then I Tell About Myself.

00:22:22: It has been great and good and well in sound for the past but In the future I might want to play with something new.

00:22:31: right?

00:22:32: Yes yes and I think also Right.

00:22:36: We haven't totally talked about the mechanics of the game, but I think I mentioned that it's a conversation-based game?

00:22:42: Yes!

00:22:42: Can we get into that in a second now?

00:22:44: And iIthink thats actually also people who again were stuck at our own heads talking about what we do and then trying to put down on paper.

00:22:55: so if its on LinkedIn or it fits onto a CV.

00:22:59: But we are so much more capable...and sometimes as just hidden under all of the words that we are using to describe ourselves in a way people think want us too.

00:23:11: Yeah, and then everyone is using it gets blurry right?

00:23:16: And this one soup of oh!

00:23:20: That's the role...the job..the responsibilities....and apparently capabilities are next.

00:23:27: so its always like same kind of structure.

00:23:29: Okay So In a setup You prepare the room.

00:23:36: walk us through now how the game works, right?

00:23:39: So what do you need in a room of the cards?

00:23:41: but How to set them up.

00:23:43: Are you structured group is it very individual or just this?

00:23:48: walk us though What your first kind of activities are invitations our and activities for the learners for the players To do

00:23:58: Sure, and I love that you've played.

00:24:01: so if i forget anything.

00:24:02: You can let me know

00:24:05: But there's many many ways.

00:24:09: So um, you don't walk us through one?

00:24:12: Um You know use case And then we can talk about all the variations because you mentioned also a lot of variations During during the week.

00:24:20: yes on discovering more so.

00:24:22: initially how I set up game was That you need at least one table where you can put the cards that everyone has access.

00:24:33: A small roundtable, a big longtable.

00:24:36: however That is then to have people either already sit in pairs or Small groups.

00:24:44: better if it's in pairs but if It's an odd number of people small groups as fine.

00:24:49: so three-three two four But no bigger than that and Everyone should have a piece of paper and pen or pencil.

00:24:59: because again, it's this act using our most human element.

00:25:06: Our body to engage our brain And our creativity.

00:25:11: so having you can do without pen and paper but in creating the Combinations with your cards and writing them down You come up something Different, I think.

00:25:28: So everyone has a pen and or pencil in paper.

00:25:32: the cards In each of their separate decks are stacked next to each other Or nearer each other on the table.

00:25:42: Everyone is in there small group with their pair And then i give The invitation To every one To come up and get One card from Each deck

00:25:54: Okay,

00:25:54: from each of the piles.

00:25:57: They don't get to look at them first right?

00:25:59: You're just taking what's on top.

00:26:00: they've been shuffled.

00:26:02: The first round is called random remix.

00:26:05: So whatever you get you get your going to play with these cards and the goal Is with these three cards With your strength and skill the trait in quality And archetype and metaphor Your goal is to create a brief description and your new role identity.

00:26:29: So, for example my favorite that I like to give of course again here in Berlin is that i got facilitation as my strength...I got playful as my trait..and I got DJed as the metaphor so those can be put together.

00:26:51: For me, it's I am a playful facilitation DJ.

00:26:57: Mixing and remixing my team so they can find the best rhythm for their work.

00:27:05: So right?

00:27:06: I didn't say...I'm an agile coach!

00:27:09: I did not say that i was a facilitator or project manager.

00:27:14: you know all of those words could have used typically to describe myself.

00:27:18: just use these three words, and then gave a brief description of what does that mean?

00:27:26: And there's so many more versions.

00:27:29: like I could be the facilitation DJ.

00:27:31: That playfully works with people to create new rhythm in their work.

00:27:43: right i'm using dj To give me more words kind Of

00:27:52: course.

00:27:53: I also have lots of pictures now, right?

00:27:54: The DJ that's also creating the space or influencing the space so others can shine and you know some many things.

00:28:06: cool

00:28:07: Yes.

00:28:07: That's the first round, so hold on.

00:28:09: do I write that down?

00:28:10: right ideally?

00:28:11: So we'll write it down.

00:28:13: everybody gets about a minute.

00:28:15: i don't put any time limit but i think time boxing is important.

00:28:20: you give everyone to think for themselves and then have partner.

00:28:27: once this role description your each going take turns in five minutes goes and you're essentially introducing yourself like, You are in a party.

00:28:39: Like hi I'm Sylvia!

00:28:41: You use your role description And Your identity To introduce yourself?

00:28:47: Okay Then your partner asks you questions.

00:28:51: So how did you get into doing that work or what does it actually look like when the team does It?

00:28:57: Or How Did you develop That strength?

00:28:59: Where did you learn to do that?

00:29:01: so any number of Questions that comes up for your partner, who's trying to get to know you.

00:29:09: Who is also trying help you dig a little bit deeper into understanding?

00:29:14: where does that come from?

00:29:16: Which if again someone got cards they're like oh I don't what this looks like.

00:29:22: just make it up!

00:29:23: You have permission.

00:29:27: So that goes for your partner as well.

00:29:30: if you get into role-playing and you'll suddenly start talking about yourself being, really a DJ Maybe you've got off track.

00:29:38: A little bit but maybe it sparks something for you.

00:29:41: so the rules there are constraints But they're very open

00:29:46: okay?

00:29:47: That's the first round one minute of thinking writing And then five minutes

00:29:52: each

00:29:53: right yeah producing and digging deeper, asking those questions.

00:30:00: All right I can imagine that's already fun again and well i experienced it once.

00:30:05: but um uh... That is getting our creativity.

00:30:12: muscle or storytelling muscles story making muscle ready and flexed.

00:30:18: And what happens next?

00:30:20: So this was the first random remix round.

00:30:25: And how do I build on that?

00:30:26: and what would you say next to the participants?

00:30:29: So, usually debriefed group a little bit so people can see other experiences around the room.

00:30:40: And essentially ask right What came up for people?

00:30:43: was there anything surprising?

00:30:45: Usually i hear How did get these three cards?

00:30:49: they are so me.

00:30:54: But I've also had people say like, I was hesitant because I'm not really a word person.

00:31:03: And yet I think with having someone to talk it through with... ...I realized that these are actually working for me Like i could find something in here That helped me think about experiences that I'd forgotten or A skill that may be underusing And kind of like, oh I really should use that more.

00:31:26: So getting people to hear and understand there are even more experiences in the room.

00:31:35: if they felt uncomfortable They weren't only ones but also were like this is magic.

00:31:41: how did it happen?

00:31:42: That's all so that in a room

00:31:46: What's

00:31:48: next?

00:31:51: Reading the room I'm seeing how many people there are in a room.

00:31:56: if There's very few.

00:31:58: If there's under ten People what?

00:32:01: I like to do is Give everyone the option To say, if you have a favorite card keep it But we're gonna turn all The cards over and All of the decks And We're Gonna lay them out so You Can See Them So That You Get to Choose your own next three cards from each of the decks.

00:32:23: Okay, but now I see all sixty cards so to speak and then i can choose okay

00:32:27: yes And you only get thirty seconds To do it which is why say You Can Do This With A Small Group?

00:32:36: Because Of Course The Intention Is Go with Your Gut go With Your Intuition.

00:32:43: Don't Try To Overthink It don't try Put Yourself Back In Another Box.

00:32:47: Oh, that's my card.

00:32:50: I don't know why but i better pick it up.

00:32:53: It says healer That's weird But okay!

00:32:56: I'm gonna

00:32:56: go with it

00:32:58: And after that thirty seconds right?

00:33:00: Everyone has their cards and We do the same process.

00:33:07: you stick with your same partner Again because they've already heard a little bit about You.

00:33:12: They

00:33:12: know Your background

00:33:13: or at least The one that you made Up is to use the cards that you picked, and again do not use your job title.

00:33:24: Do not use... I'm a fundraiser like if that word isn't on your cards then can't use it.

00:33:32: If you've picked choose-your-own-word card so there we go.

00:33:38: So Then It Is.

00:33:41: The focus is on writing out as many different combinations explaining briefly what you do, what that looks like and making it as true to you as possible.

00:33:55: These are my experiences these are my talents...these are my strengths in using those three cards again.

00:34:06: I just need say one thing now If I want to have that bold card and i'm a little bit hesitant, And walking around because there might be better cards.

00:34:18: The card is gone!

00:34:20: I need another one right?

00:34:21: Either choose your own word card if they are available or just go for something else.

00:34:33: Most of the time people don't have a challenge.

00:34:37: go, oh no it's missing.

00:34:39: Well I guess i'm going to choose my own word card and im gonna make that word in my world.

00:34:45: Got you!

00:34:47: And the as true as possible story about myself.

00:34:53: um do they get to introduce me again?

00:34:57: To my group or partner?

00:34:59: yes...and then ask questions again?

00:35:04: Yes Alright.

00:35:05: so another round of digging deeper, understanding how these three cards are they all related?

00:35:14: How their incombination make a story about me.

00:35:19: Yeah...how they reveal parts of you that might have been hidden or that you'd forgotten about because we're so much more richer capabilities that we don't use words like this maybe very often.

00:35:46: And what happens then?

00:35:48: So, there was two rounds of cards random and picking.

00:35:54: There were two rounds introducing and answering questions aka asking question.

00:36:05: That's about a thirty minute twenty-five, thirty minute kind of in the session time.

00:36:13: What happens next?

00:36:15: So I think again what i usually do is a bit more debriefing with the whole group.

00:36:20: I ask usually something like who found the first round easier or more challenging...what was different for you about this?

00:36:32: second What's the word I'm looking for?

00:36:38: what did it inspire or what Did you discover sometimes, what did You uncover?

00:36:47: and Then i ask people like can Can you see yourself using this on linkedin Like.

00:36:56: What level of inspired are you And i used that at ale actually to say does anyone have a new role identity that they would be confident enough to put on LinkedIn.

00:37:11: And I had at least three people go, you know raise their hands and say me like i am an organizational optician!

00:37:17: I help my clients focus in on the real problems... That's ME!

00:37:23: So again having people share their role identities just in popcorn style right?

00:37:30: Anyone who wants to share what did you come up with?

00:37:33: does this really feel?

00:37:35: What about it feels like you?

00:37:39: Would do use this to describe yourself?

00:37:42: if someone asked you what are you doing?

00:37:45: and that usually elicits responses with exactly what people chose, I hear laughing.

00:37:57: Well i've seen people high-five each other.

00:38:02: There's a really good feeling in the room people sometimes even deeply nodding to themselves and Smiling, yeah.

00:38:14: And I'm wondering because you know on the one hand this is You mentioned it briefly like this moment of hey wait a minute.

00:38:24: i am way more than my CVE or Way More Than The Story that I can possibly share about myself.

00:38:32: now With it, you know with the cards and then I come up with a new way of telling this story about myself And maybe even putting this on LinkedIn or somewhere else.

00:38:44: but how do you deal with that?

00:38:46: That reality also.

00:38:51: It's not expected right?

00:38:53: Maybe there is no room for someone to say well look if he really asked me what i'm doing.

00:39:03: I help teams, you know visualize things so they can be way bolder than They are.

00:39:10: and You Know i do this from the stands of a mentor.

00:39:16: Yes And?

00:39:19: I'm looking for.

00:39:20: You know an agile coach There's.

00:39:26: how do you deal with that Gap or This just perceived gap That someone could have and say yeah but then i tried A lot Of you know Things and try to put it in a different words, but at the end of day if I apply again just now going back to that application moment on That success factors form There is no DJ.

00:39:47: Hmm Right well i think this isn't about helping somebody find A job right?

00:39:52: This Is Helping people.

00:39:57: Yeah so The game Isn't Gonna Give you Any Answers.

00:40:00: It's not Going To Deliver You A Job.

00:40:02: Its Not Going to Help You Find Your Next a position that you can apply to.

00:40:08: It's really so that people could hear themselves more clearly, right?

00:40:16: The things they're forgetting about who they are... To give them more confidence and clarity.

00:40:25: or even agency like I CAN go do that!

00:40:29: I am good at that.

00:40:31: So it is more Being adaptable, not about getting a job.

00:40:39: It's really expanding who we are

00:40:43: and I do love that micro story That is sparked right?

00:40:49: And it begins to describe what you're doing too.

00:40:53: You know two-two show in Neil when we talk about metaphors and stories just so little bit of How are you doing that?

00:41:00: And what's important to you?

00:41:02: because if I say, uh...I see often myself as a healer.

00:41:07: That is different message than look.

00:41:12: Normally in the last kind of functions was the explorer out there right.

00:41:17: so it resonates differently with whoever i'm speaking or whomever I am sharing and introducing my self too.

00:41:28: That's also true, is the words that you're choosing to describe yourself again might be the same words everyone before you has used as well.

00:41:42: As an agile coach or a project manager?

00:41:46: and yes there are... There's a need for that when your in-a-job interview Or when having discussions about what teams should do what's next.

00:42:00: But yeah, that maybe a team is a really good example.

00:42:03: so using this in a team there's So often A gap between Realizing actually That even though you know each other There are still things you don't know about each other and again We see each other sometimes more clearly than we see ourselves.

00:42:28: So, when I had a team play this what came up was and again i did different variation.

00:42:37: The team members gift other team member's strengths cards traits cards metaphor card.

00:42:45: so we sort of went through the whole deck And discussion or comments that come out like you see me as being good at it?

00:42:56: It was improvisation And they're like, you are improving all the time.

00:43:02: Not in a jokey way but you were just figuring it out and coding it in and seeing if it works and doing The Yes and he was so surprised.

00:43:14: that's how people saw him.

00:43:16: who is Like yeah actually I do Do That?

00:43:20: the next question was for me, is there any role missing?

00:43:34: Is there anything that if your team would feel more complete or a roll that has disappeared.

00:43:45: Or that needs to shift?

00:43:48: because again AI coming in new technologies shifting how we work with each other Not just how we do our own work, but how we work with each other.

00:44:00: Those roles that we are playing also shift in a team and them having a conversation about it But giving it to each other To see oh this is How You See Me.

00:44:12: Wow!

00:44:14: That's really cool.

00:44:15: And I never thought of myself that way.

00:44:21: What a... It was very psychologically safe Way to Do This Kind Of Work As Well.

00:44:27: Yes, absolutely.

00:44:28: It's a very nice excuse!

00:44:30: Well I just had the card

00:44:33: of the Archimist

00:44:34: so i have to give it you now because your mixing and remixing all those different experiences...and its always gold what comes out.

00:44:42: So thank-you for that right?

00:44:45: What

00:44:45: gift?!

00:44:46: Thank

00:44:46: You!!

00:44:47: That makes me feel so good!

00:44:51: So building relationships..building trust.

00:44:56: But I can also now, you know instead of just plugging together the keywords that are out there and then oh!

00:45:04: i got my job role.

00:45:07: Yeah a future role or role that we're starting to look for try think of... For me really more did the actions right?

00:45:16: The activities..the things at this person will do to us, with us for us and the greater good in system etc.

00:45:29: To have that more descriptive than literally the word funny thing is obviously even if we do have a role title job you know edge on coach.

00:45:42: what does that mean?

00:45:43: right I mean that's also different for different contexts and for different companies.

00:45:48: And of course, also for different individuals right?

00:45:51: So it's not that just because there is a list... Yeah at least an infinite list of job roles doesn't mean that its clear what they need to

00:46:04: write down.

00:46:05: Right I think these unexpected combinations Which is what I hope they are if someone as a Hope Guardian, which was one of my favorites.

00:46:17: Like what could that be?

00:46:20: The cards breaking our predictable thinking patterns right That we're all in and not were trained.

00:46:30: but In order to become more adaptable And see our value in many different situations including situations and roles that We can't even predict today We have to be able, right?

00:46:48: To take a metaphor of something or Take a trait or quality and Go a little bit outside how we would usually describe it And I think maybe like writing from a blank piece of paper.

00:47:02: That's really hard Because that's also not how we're trained It's not our brain works!

00:47:08: We like

00:47:09: patterns...we

00:47:10: Like make sense of things..and we like them too.

00:47:12: stay the same But we need to be more flexible.

00:47:20: Yes, and I was just about say because you said oh how do usually describe it?

00:47:24: Well i would already happy if we described right rather than saying this is me being bold.

00:47:34: what does that mean right?

00:47:36: It's like, okay.

00:47:37: What type of what does

00:47:38: that look like?

00:47:38: or

00:47:38: you know...what do?

00:47:39: what does your bold look Like Right?

00:47:41: Yeah That would already be helpful to get clarity and not hide behind words which again serve many purposes including status identity position who I'm representing when i Opening the office door and who I'm representing when i'm opening, you know apartment or

00:48:09: hello?

00:48:11: yes

00:48:12: And

00:48:13: so that was already a variation right?

00:48:16: um That someone else

00:48:18: picks

00:48:19: A set of car the combination one more.

00:48:21: One and hands it over and explains What what other ways?

00:48:26: Of again You can still walk us through that flow.

00:48:29: So two rounds debrief Ideas ways of rewriting, not only LinkedIn but rewiring and writing that story.

00:48:42: That I might use the next time when someone asked me hey what do you do?

00:48:47: It was like well...I'm a DJ without

00:48:50: speed!

00:48:53: So a couple other variations have come up through play And in fact, to the original version I didn't have people flip over the cards because we had such a big group that I just had them re-pick and then used the same prompt of now try to have this be as close To your actual work or the work that you want to be doing as possible.

00:49:28: But just use these three words.

00:49:31: Flipping it over was already a variation.

00:49:35: giving, right?

00:49:36: Giving them as a gift to each other was another variation.

00:49:41: A variation that I think could be done.

00:49:46: it really depends on your group and you'll know this when you're facilitating or maybe just bold enough.

00:49:52: to try is all you do is swap cards with your partner.

00:49:59: You've already heard how they describe themselves to use the same cards, but perhaps come up with something completely different.

00:50:12: And that was also a very interesting experiment.

00:50:16: I had people do

00:50:19: for lots of micro triggers and again new combinations depending on if you decide to mix draw or share And at the end of those multiple rounds, of crafting and I'm always writing that.

00:50:38: So maybe have a full A for sheet or more in tons of ideas.

00:50:44: what is your final... Or let me phrase it differently What does your ideal take away?

00:50:54: How do you want to leave people?

00:50:56: how should they end such a workshop with Adaptive identity game.

00:51:03: So I think that i really want people to realize That they are carrying around more wisdom creativity and Possibility than They give themselves credit for it, I want them to leave hopeful And inspired and Like I don't-I don't think the problem is We don't know ourselves.

00:51:34: I think the problem is that we rarely slow down long enough to deeply listen.

00:51:42: So, i think The game really makes those two things very possible and With unexpected combinations right.

00:51:51: it gives people That out?

00:51:56: That way to get out of the box.

00:51:58: Oh this isn't expected Because its a card.

00:52:01: It's physical Right, I'm just very intentional that this is a physical game.

00:52:06: They are holding on to something That Is A Bit Of An Anchor Like Oh This Could Be Me And Maybe This Is Me and maybe i want this To be me right?

00:52:21: and i think the conversation with their partner is also The Thing That I Want Them To Remember.

00:52:31: Is It?

00:52:32: There Was A Deep Reflection back to them.

00:52:37: They had their a mirror essentially and they can.

00:52:43: Their partner started noticing, and then maybe they started noticing Things that they really couldn't see on there own.

00:52:54: And while you are drinking I am water.

00:52:59: I will who will ask.

00:53:05: I mean, is there anything now that you've run so many sessions with the Adaptive Identity Game?

00:53:11: Is there anything that you would recommend that isn't a good practice or a good method or thing to do afterwards?

00:53:22: Well more reflection...I think it never hurts again running a little bit slower and asking ourselves Is there something that I want to do with this?

00:53:33: Maybe, I can share a story of some thing happened.

00:53:36: Someone then shared it after they attended.

00:53:39: so i had young woman attend one the play tests and she got storytelling as on her cards And...I think heard here say Oh!

00:53:50: This is not really strength of mind but..i will go with it.

00:53:55: Then As She Got Further In and she started to have to describe, her partner asked questions.

00:54:01: She's like.

00:54:02: I realize actually that i do storytelling all the time!

00:54:07: And maybe yeah...I'm better at it than I think?

00:54:13: I don't know..it is interesting.

00:54:15: Then in next round as The Universe does It gave her story weaver As a metaphor.

00:54:25: That's what she picked out of the deck with Story Weaver.

00:54:27: She was like, What?

00:54:29: How did I get this card?

00:54:30: but also why not Like?

00:54:34: i am a story weaver...I Am doing This in my work..i'm Doing this In so many different Aspects that perhaps Not only am i better at it than i think i am But i actually want to Get Better At It Because its going To be So Useful for the type of work that I think i'm growing into.

00:54:58: So it gave her a way to look at what an answer was, sort-of hidden underneath everything?

00:55:06: That she in a way already knew.

00:55:10: so...I would love people after they play or when they walk away is They're already in there.

00:55:25: You just might need to stop

00:55:28: and

00:55:29: play and reconsider that you are more than Just the words on your CD

00:55:37: Got you?

00:55:38: Wow, and just to close that chapter so-to speak any other variations that you were thinking of Are they all described, by the way in the deck?

00:55:51: Is there a website where you can describe how to facilitate those rounds

00:55:57: at play.

00:56:00: There will be on the web site so when the game is fully launched.

00:56:07: we didn't really talk about this yet.

00:56:08: We're gonna get into that but I was just wondering which other variations are part of official description even though maybe our listeners already have tons of other ideas and how to use those.

00:56:20: Yes, I hope so!

00:56:21: And I hope everybody shares which...I also would love for this to be a community right?

00:56:27: We again are the mechanics of this our so simple that i want people To stretch the boundaries Of what's possible.

00:56:36: The only thing That I know For sure is that I didn't build A game or facilitation tool that has winners Or losers There.

00:56:45: it's not a competition.

00:56:47: It doesn't need to be, it really shouldn't be.

00:56:50: It's only about you.

00:56:52: so I think the variations that i have described already That come with the deck are variations one and two.

00:56:59: So random remix which is the first one Yes And then The second One Which I call Remix Yourself.

00:57:07: So those Are the Two That Come Described with reflection questions within the deck itself.

00:57:15: The other variations, I hope to start a catalog on the website and for people to actually send in.

00:57:23: this is what we tried.

00:57:24: here's how it worked.

00:57:25: these are the question that we used so That people can start to see right all the different ways that this could be used For

00:57:32: yes me working mostly would you know for team growth etc?

00:57:37: I also imagine You know a team or founders building their stories and trying to come up with different ways of explaining what they're doing, why are you there?

00:57:51: Okay.

00:57:52: Lovely!

00:57:53: And now...

00:57:53: Oh thank you I just gave a couple more

00:57:57: ideas.

00:57:57: Yeah plenty in our listeners again will link all your contact details where it's learned about the game but the easiest is literally find If you recall or join one of your meetups.

00:58:13: Okay, just to slowly wrap it up have you played online remotely with remote teams?

00:58:20: Is that a possibility?

00:58:22: do think

00:58:23: so.

00:58:25: I Have not personally but somebody did play test in Hungary A friend who had essentially the very first PDF Something that he'd played it in at ale last year.

00:58:40: Okay, you did with a hybrid team and Like anything hybrid?

00:58:44: It was pretty tricky.

00:58:46: They had to like tell people what the cards were And they had to pick.

00:58:50: and hey this is the card that you got and I Have considered putting it online.

00:58:56: But it's still the physicalness of the cards That create the connection To our brain to what's happening in that creativity.

00:59:06: So more than likely I will create like a mirror deck so people can play it on Miro, but its really meant to be used as physical.

00:59:19: Got you!

00:59:28: What is the secret sauce of the Adaptive Identity game?

00:59:37: I think we kind of talked about it already.

00:59:39: So for me, I think there's three secret sauces because I also like mayo ketchup and barbecue?

00:59:47: Like those are three.

00:59:51: For me It is a psychologically safe game.

00:59:54: Its very accessible And i again did it intentionally even with the way that color coded the cards And they have shapes on them.

01:00:05: So in case you are colorblind, I feel like it's very accessible.

01:00:12: They're tarot sized so bigger and not too small.

01:00:19: It is overwhelming.

01:00:21: There aren't sixty cards per deck In one deck there only twenty.

01:00:25: Of course You can get the expansion packs which i will But think its an experiment for people A way for people to play freely, there is no right or wrong.

01:00:40: So that I think makes it safe.

01:00:44: The second one we talked about these unexpected combinations things that i would never put together at a nutritionist coached nutritionists researcher was how she described herself and when she played She's like uh really struggling with this?

01:01:03: which technically wasn't true, but she was so used to talking about herself in this box.

01:01:13: So that people could understand what she did?

01:01:16: She got the cards and again one of my favorite a hope guardian curiosity-driven research.

01:01:24: And she's like That's a mouthful.

01:01:26: it's now since I've actually changed But What she did with?

01:01:33: She described this, her research nutritionist world in as I am a hope guardian giving people.

01:01:45: A holistic way to look at a sustainable future for themselves and being able to create that.

01:01:53: And then that just gave me goosebumps because it was... I mean hoping This would break the pattern that she had of only describing herself as a nutritional research scientist.

01:02:10: Got you and what's number three?

01:02:12: Number Three is those reflective conversations, That your having conversation with someone else again.

01:02:21: I think other people can often see ourselves Can see us better than we see our selves And can say things in us but we don't see.

01:02:30: So i think the secret sauce also.

01:02:34: It's a game you could do by yourself.

01:02:36: I know many introverts who have multiple personalities in their head and You absolutely can't do it by yourselves.

01:02:42: Yeah, but the unpredictability of having another human being across from you Is i think that secret sauce?

01:02:52: yes?

01:02:52: That's a little ready to get well cool.

01:02:56: And Yeah, maybe three more questions.

01:02:59: number one is What?

01:03:01: Is your ultimate facilitation tip for our listeners?

01:03:05: now it does not have to be so you for the identity game.

01:03:09: It could be but what would you Do?

01:03:12: just piece of advice from from you four for our Listeners.

01:03:17: Hmm

01:03:20: The Ultimate Facilitation

01:03:24: Tip

01:03:24: tip Would Be To Trust The group.

01:03:32: I mean, you think that's a really big one?

01:03:34: I started out as a facilitator wanting to control the group.

01:03:40: Wait not this way!

01:03:41: No don't do it this way.

01:03:42: wait what are you doing?

01:03:43: come back here and in the end...the most successful valuable impactful sessions that i did were absolutely when i started to trust Be ready to improvise but trust the group knows where it wants to go.

01:04:04: Wonderful Wow.

01:04:07: Thank you, Sylvia.

01:04:08: and then again You know I personally love I think we discussed Before that recording started a thing.

01:04:17: But in the minimalistic games at that look if problems had that inspired at trigger participants and then leave a lot of room for them to go and explore, dig deeper.

01:04:30: And think... and also sense and feel how that story feels?

01:04:37: Is it something I want to keep or say or share?

01:04:45: Why is the feeling different from what i normally tell about myself?

01:04:53: the idea of having this big... well, having a deck challenging.

01:04:58: that way we talk about ourselves and our contributions ultimately.

01:05:04: Cool!

01:05:05: Now you mentioned when game is released.

01:05:10: so walk us through what will happen next?

01:05:13: And where can get it or What do need to be in the loop and share ideas how use those?

01:05:22: Sure

01:05:24: Thank you for asking.

01:05:25: So it is still in production, I am using a new printer and again all of these play tests have informed so much more about the cards And...I'm hoping that i will launch mid-September with Kickstarter.

01:05:44: Okay to go for crowdfunding yeah?

01:05:46: Yeah!

01:05:46: So im gonna go with crowdfunding because I feel like thats the safest possible way for people who want to invest in making this a reality, who wanna be part of the community and it's really no risk.

01:06:02: It's not just low-risk, it's no risk because if the campaign isn't successful they don't get their money taken.

01:06:09: We don't

01:06:09: pay?

01:06:10: Yeah yeah

01:06:10: two two!

01:06:10: You know you don't paid.

01:06:12: so... For me its also way too see.

01:06:17: like is this something that people want?

01:06:20: or right time I think It is, I hope it is.

01:06:24: And for me in a world that's obsessed with AI and automation and efficiency and all of those things...I think one the most powerful thing we can still do is sit across from another human to help them discover something about themselves.

01:06:42: So this will be physical game until i figure out shouldn't.

01:06:50: And when the Kickstarter, if you want to find out when the kickstarter goes live and get one of those first early bird prices.

01:06:59: Which I'm not going have.

01:07:00: another thing that I learned during the first Kickstarter which was unsuccessful Was so then had too many Too Many Early Bird decks available Okay So i'm only gonna Have probably thirty Decks Available That Are Early Bird Price?

01:07:18: And If You Want To Find Out be one of the first to find out when it launches.

01:07:22: Then you have to go to The AdaptiveIdentityGame.com.

01:07:27: Okay, there's no.

01:07:28: that in front of me is just adaptive identity game dot com and Just sign up too.

01:07:36: It says I think it says get a newsletter.

01:07:37: There's really not much of a newsletter.

01:07:40: its more about Hey informed i'm getting ready To launch.

01:07:44: yeah okay?

01:07:46: Here's the date.

01:07:47: this Is what it looks like.

01:07:50: If there are any changes to the game, significant ones I email people on that list but it's not a constant barrage of emails.

01:07:58: It will be...I'm getting ready to launch!

01:08:01: I've launched.

01:08:03: here

01:08:03: you go and

01:08:04: again link did the website in the show notes But again highly also encourage you to follow Sylvia on LinkedIn And then obviously he would post all right?

01:08:16: You're ready too?

01:08:17: Yeah, start that campaign.

01:08:19: What else?

01:08:20: Also I am like i said...I really want to build a community around this because there are so many variations and different groups of people who can use it only one person.

01:08:33: So I'm building a playtest community where There's an application form on my website.

01:08:40: So you fill out the application form, and if you meet the criteria essentially of what I know will be supportive in getting this out there but also helping really helping people then i will be giving you a free deck.

01:08:57: Okay?

01:08:57: If your part at the playtest community You're in!

01:09:01: And

01:09:04: that sounds wonderful.

01:09:07: again ill link that form into show notes to make sure that everyone can sign up.

01:09:15: Wow, thank you so much Sylvia!

01:09:17: That was plenty.

01:09:18: and um yeah for me always it's great too see how conversational games work and how YOU make them work And what is important when we put cards in front of participants?

01:09:35: Good to learn and good to hear that wonderful conversations are being sparked.

01:09:40: Well, thank you for that

01:09:42: Thank you for the opportunity And again I'm so glad but you had a chance to play.

01:09:47: end Yeah Let's see hoping this is.

01:09:50: this is a tool for people for hope.

01:09:53: Sounds great.

01:09:54: I mean i'm happy That you joined the series games or serious change meetup?

01:10:01: Yes Again Try to find Sylvia again.

01:10:06: I mentioned your base in Berlin, right?

01:10:07: So But you were speaking at different also international conferences.

01:10:12: so Yes there's definitely the opportunity to maybe play The game but definitely also too learn more about on the websites and channels that debt you shared.

01:10:28: Are they any final famous?

01:10:30: last words for our listeners.

01:10:35: i think I don't know if they're famous, but their buying.

01:10:39: I just want people to remember that adaptability isn't really about trying to become someone else.

01:10:45: it's About expanding who you already are.

01:10:50: Thank You Sylvia and two all our listeners.

01:10:53: Go and find Sylvia.

01:10:54: go and look up all the different Links that I will in preferences, you know books and other games Of course, the details and what we're doing in Berlin at Beyond.

01:11:08: And till next time, bye-bye!