The Organisational Gardener

Invented by Daniel Ofman at the Findhorn Community in the highlands of Scotland, the Money Game has been played by groups around the world as a way to help us think about, and deconstruct, our relationship to money.  There’s often no better way to test and draw out our hidden behaviours and assumptions than by playing a game. The Money Game helps us explore (and manifest) the habits and unconscious beliefs that determine our relationship to money and learn through both our individual experience, as well as interactions and reflections with the wider group.

This is how GreaterThan describes the Money Game on their website. During 2023 and 2024 I had the opportunity to facilitate money games virtually with GreaterThan, as well as in person in the UK in a workshop with Tom Nixon and for a group of entrepreneurs in Mexico.  I have facilitated and been a participant of the game in English and Spanish, and although different languages the experience is equally powerful.  

I wanted to write this post to share with you this introspective game that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring their relationship with money, and as a starting point to review your personal or family finances, but also to connect to the idea of household or cottage economics.  Understanding “economy” as the “management of the house (oikos)”.  I would like to add, as I write this, that it is not only relevant for the economics of the house, but equally relevant for the finances of an initiative, organisation or company you might lead or be part of yourself. 

One of the topics that you are invented to explore is to identify, or play with, personas (profiles) you might have with regards to your relationship with money.  A profile with Negative projections to money (e.g. money is bad, evil, capitalist, etc.), a Positive stance (e.g. money is good, freedom, valuable, etc.), or a third option referred to as the “Washing Machine” mixing positive and negative projections (this is me).  You will reflect about these profiles through 3 rounds with a very specific instruction.  I won’t divulge more detail of the game here so I don’t end up oversharing the plot of the movie and ruin the experience for you.  

A Natural Invitation 

In summary, the Money Game is an interactive experience that examines our deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours around money. Through playful yet insightful rounds, it uncovers our hidden “money personas”providing a vital starting point for reviewing your financial landscape. Highly recommended for anyone ready for a profound introspective journey, playing the Money Game is an investment in self-awareness that pays substantial dividends by offering a clearer, more intentional relationship with your resources.