Agile is all about ’timeboxing’. For example, the scrum guide uses clear guidelines about the duration of the ceremonies. This has a goal: agile working is all about ‘maximizing the non-doing’. The ‘lean’ elimination of waste is part of the agile mindset. Do not waste time. Use your time effectively.
EXTREME TIMEBOXING
We have devised extreme timeboxing for stubborn teams that invariably exceed the time slot. You can read the instructions here on Linkedin.
TOOLING
As a facilitator of a session, you must therefore have a watch with a stopwatch or a smart phone. There are nice alternatives for the enthusiast.
Time Timer
I personally find the time timer the most convenient timer. The analogy red dial allows you and those present to see at a glance how much time is left.
For sale on Timetimer.nl or BOL.com or Amazon or…
Tingsha bells
A bit spiritual for some, but very handy. These ‘zen’ bells make a calm tone. Much better than a yelling organizer, alarm or megaphone.
For sale on among others Spiru.nl
Extreme timeboxing
There are fun ways to learn timeboxes. I myself use something that I call ‘Extreme Timeboxing’. You can read my article about this, including some practical exercises, here .