Team Exercise – Team Leadership

SQUARING THE CIRCLE(FROM SYSTEMS THINKING PLAYBOOK)

To Run Exercise: 8-30 people. 20-30 min, one long rope 10 yards+

Steps

1. Have everyone line up, shoulder to shoulder, in a straight line ,facing the same direction.Ask participants to put their hands out in front of them, palms up. Place one end of the rope in the hands of a person at the end of the line and walk down the line having each person take hold of the rope with both hands. At the end of the line, turn around and walk back up to the original end, but this time just playing out the rope on the floor. Then tie the two ends of the rope together.
2. Tell participants the rules: The entire rope must be used. Blindfold participants. You may slide along the rope but you cannot change positions with anyone else on the rope. When you personally think that the group has finished the task, raise your hand and I will ask for a vote. If a majority of the group thinks you are finished, I will ask you to stop and remove your blindfolds.
3. Your goal is to create a square while everyone maintains their hold on the rope.
4. Once majority believe the task is done, have them place the rope on the ground being careful to maintain the shape.

If 6-10 people – have them make an equal sided triangle.
Some debrief questions.
Did a leader emerge?
How did the leader or lack of affect the team dynamics?
How did not being able to see affect your ability to communicate?