Sticks and twine

by Tolla Pieterse
(Heidelberg GP)

This activity is a very basic team building activity, but is a powerful tool to use with teams that deals with problem solving at work.

The activity can be front loaded or can be facilitated as the team experience the event.

Basically the aim is to show the team that even if they work as a team in solving a huge problem, failure to solve the problem may still prevail.
But when the problem is taken apart and each member of the team play a specific role in the process, eventually the problem is solved with very little difficulty.

How does it work?

Collect several sticks, one for each member in the team. make sure the sticks are at least as thick as a human thumb. Tie them all together at the ends with twine. Then instruct the team to try to break it as a hole, at this stage all should try together.

Then each individual has to try to break it alone. You will see that it is not possible. Then take it apart and issue each individual a single stick and let them break it simultaneously.

You will see the last method is very, very easy and the task is completed effectively.

Ask them how they experienced the activity and what it thought them. Also ask them how can such an approach work for their company. Facilitate the answers and have fun.