Build communication, problem solving skills, planning and execution of goal

Brief Description
The team is tasked with putting together a story from a set of sequential images. Each person is given an image but is not permitted to show it to anyone else. Together, the team has to figure out the correct sequence. The activity focuses on effective communication, problem-solving skills, as well as planning and execution of task relative to goal.

Desired Outcomes
• To build communication skills, problem solving skills, and planning and execution relative to goal as a group
• To understand and develop self-perspective taking
• To recognize unique strengths individuals bring to the team in action

Requirements
Time: 30-45 minutes

Group Size: 10-35 participants
• The book has approximately 30 pictures.
• If the group has fewer than 30 participants, the facilitator can strategically remove pictures from the sequence ahead of time (while still making sure it is possible to put them in order) OR give two pictures to some or all participants.
• If the group has more than 30 participants, the facilitator can select a few participants to be observers or assign some participants to work in pairs.

Materials
• A copy of the picture book “Zoom” by Istvan Banyai, OR
• A copy of the picture book “Rezoom” by Istvan Banyai

Prep Work
• Book should be taken apart page by page and mounted to black construction paper or laminated – helps with multiple usage.
• If done for team effectiveness workshop: Facilitator should inform leader of purpose of exercise and desired outcome, however, should not explain puzzle or solution. Leader should participate as well for higher impact.

Facilitation and Execution
Instructions
Important Note: Do not explain that each picture zooms out to the next. Let the participants figure out the pattern or significance of the activity’s name on their own.
• Mix up the pictures so they are not in sequential order
• Tell participants that they are about to participate in an activity called Zoom. In a moment, they will receive a picture. They may only look at their own pictures and must keep their pictures hidden from others.
• Hand out one picture per person
• Participants should study their picture for several minutes, since it contains important information to help solve this challenge.
• The challenge is for the group to solve the puzzle without looking at one another’s pictures. They are to use only verbal communications to describe the images they have.
• After instructions are given, direct group to decide on best way to take on the challenge then step aside, only offering reinforcement of already provided instructions if questions arise.
• Let group know you will set a timer for 5 minutes to check back with group on their current approach.
• When the group believes they have solved the puzzle, they should stand in that order, and then flip their photos over to reveal their result to the facilitator. Once the facilitator has checked their work, invite the group to place the photos face up in a line on the ground. The group can now walk around to see how they did. If they did not complete, ask to correct and try again.
• A follow-up discussion can include characteristics of effective communication, how perspective affects how we see and communicate, how can we be more agile, etc.
Facilitator’s Notes
 Allow for the group to take their natural course to solve the problem
 Some groups have completed solving the puzzle within 5 minutes and some 40 minutes. This does not reflect the success or failure of a team, but instead let them help decide what it means for them. i.e. a high conflict team can solve the problem quickly if they understood the need to focus on solution instead of personal ambition, or a high performing team could benefit from thinking more abstractly instead of process focused.
 Be constantly observing and listening. Individuals may get the concept early, but reluctant to share. Natural leaders can emerge. Individual ideas might be ignored. Teams might rely too heavily on the existing leader for direction. Bring these observations to light during the debrief and see if others have the same. Likely the participants don’t even realize it’s happening!