For so many of our projects, the key to success lies in mastering the art of listening and interpreting feedback—skills that any seasoned game master knows well. Just as a game master guides players through an evolving story, product teams must navigate the complex dynamics of customer and stakeholder relationships. This session will explore how techniques from tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons can be applied to stakeholder management and all forms of facilitation.

We’ll delve into the importance of letting stakeholders talk, understanding their underlying needs, and translating feedback into actionable strategies—much like interpreting the motivations and actions of players in a campaign. We’ll also look at models for setting expectations and boundaries in kickoff meetings, then structuring and preparing for the work ahead. You’ll learn how to balance different personalities, keep the “party” moving forward toward a shared goal while avoiding common pitfalls like railroading, scope creep, or disengaged participants.

Whether you’re dealing with demanding clients, internal teams, or external partners, this session will equip you with the tools to become a “game master” in your professional projects.