From my childhood on, the game “chinese whisper” was an essential game at childrens birthday parties. What often ends up in a loud laughter, the effects of chinese whisper in organisations could turn out in severe problems.
In Agile teams, effective communication is essential for collaboration and productivity. However, the “Telephone Game” effect, where messages become distorted as they pass through channels, can pose challenges. This phenomenon often occurs due to unclear messaging, distractions, or hierarchical structures within organizations.
When messages get mixed up, it leads to confusion, delays, and a breakdown in trust among team members. For Agile teams striving to deliver value quickly and adapt to change, addressing this communication issue is crucial.
To overcome the “Telephone Game” effect, Agile coaches play a vital role in fostering clear communication and collaboration within teams. They emphasize the importance of active listening, providing constructive feedback, and promoting transparency.
Using tools such as visual boards, digital platforms, and regular stand-up meetings can help keep messages clear and aligned with the team’s goals. Additionally, coaching sessions focused on communication skills can empower team members to express themselves effectively and understand each other better.
And: talk WITH each other (instead of gossiping about …)
Links:
https://medium.com/@Vendbridge/companies-play-chinese-whisper-93b4bf053cb1
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/organisational-chinese-whispers-ian-andrew-cmgr-fcmi-mic/
Albrecht Günther 