Managing expectations with Autonomy Poker by Linda van der Pal

Autonomy Poker is a card-based facilitation game inspired by planning poker, designed to help teams and managers align expectations around team autonomy. It uses the 'Ladder of Autonomy' model, which defines seven levels ranging from 'following orders' (no autonomy) to 'autonomous operation' (full self-governance). Teams list topics where autonomy friction exists, prioritize them, then each member plays a card representing the autonomy level they believe they should have for that topic. Differences are discussed, ideally with the manager present. Follow-up sessions track progress toward desired autonomy levels.