converge · Decision Making, Team Building · 30–60 min · 3-7 people · medium energy
Delegation Poker
Delegation Poker is a card-based game designed to facilitate conversations around decision-making authority within a team, clarifying who is responsible for what and to what degree. It promotes controlled self-organization and shared understanding of delegation levels.
When to use Delegation Poker
Use this method when a team needs to define or redefine roles and responsibilities, particularly regarding decision-making authority, or when there's ambiguity about delegation levels.
What it solves
Unclear roles and responsibilities, micromanagement, lack of empowerment, inconsistent decision-making processes.
How to run Delegation Poker, step by step
- Introduce the concept of Delegation Poker and the seven levels of delegation (Tell, Sell, Consult, Agree, Advise, Inquire, Delegate). (5 minutes)
- Present a specific situation or decision area to the team. (2 minutes)
- Each team member privately selects a card representing their preferred delegation level for that situation. (3 minutes)
- Team members reveal their cards simultaneously. (1 minute)
- Facilitate a discussion, focusing on the highest and lowest cards, to understand the reasoning behind each choice. (15-30 minutes)
- Reach a consensus on the appropriate delegation level and update the Delegation Board. (5-10 minutes)
Materials needed
- Delegation Poker cards (physical or virtual)
- Delegation Board (physical or virtual)
- List of predefined cases or situations
Facilitator tips
- Encourage open and honest communication during the discussion phase.
- Ensure that all team members understand the seven levels of delegation.
- Focus on understanding the reasoning behind each choice, rather than simply reaching a consensus.
Common pitfalls
- Team members may be hesitant to express their true preferences due to fear of conflict or judgment. Create a safe and supportive environment.
- The discussion may become dominated by a few individuals. Actively solicit input from all team members.
- The team may struggle to reach a consensus. Remind them that the goal is to find a delegation level that works for everyone, not to achieve perfect agreement.
Variations
- Adjust the seven levels of delegation to better suit the team's context.
- Use sticky notes instead of cards.
- Award points based on the card values and track scores over time.
Running it online or hybrid
Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural to display the Delegation Board and allow participants to drag and drop virtual cards or sticky notes representing their delegation level choices.
What it produces
A Delegation Board visualizing the agreed-upon delegation levels for various decision areas.
Origin
Adapted from Management 3.0 — source
Build a session around Delegation Poker
METODIC places Delegation Poker inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.