Value Auction
Bid on the principles that matter most
Game Overview.
Teams receive play money and bid on value statements such as "work-life balance" or "customer obsession." The scarcity forces discussion about priorities.
Objectives
- ✓Surface which values teammates hold dearest
- ✓Create productive tension between competing priorities
- ✓Turn abstract principles into concrete decisions
What You'll Need
- •List of values or behaviors up for auction
- •Play money or digital bidding tracker
- •Facilitator acting as auctioneer
Preparation
- 1Select 10-15 statements relevant to your culture or project
- 2Assign each team the same budget to keep the game fair
- 3Outline bidding rules and whether collaborations are allowed
How to Play
STEP 1
Explain the Rules
Share the list of values being auctioned and the budget each team will use.
STEP 2
Conduct the Auction
Act as auctioneer, encouraging short pitches from teams before they bid.
STEP 3
Reveal Purchases
After all items are sold, let each team share why they chose those values.
STEP 4
Connect to Real Work
Discuss how the selected values will influence upcoming decisions or rituals.
Pro Tips
- Use dramatic auction music to keep energy high
- Allow teams to form temporary alliances to co-bid on big values
- Encourage short persuasive speeches before bidding starts
- Debrief thoroughly or the insight will stay theoretical
Variations
Budget Cuts
Give teams more values than budget so they must let go of something important.
Future Focus
Run the auction with values your culture aspires to adopt in the next year.
Personal Portfolios
Have individuals bid solo, then compare results with the group priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need physical money?
No. You can track bids on a spreadsheet or use emojis in chat.
How many participants works best?
Four to six teams of 3-5 people keeps bidding lively.
Is this good for leadership training?
Yes. It provokes conversation about strategic trade-offs leaders wrestle with daily.
Tags
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