Creativity and playfulness

[Geertruyt]

A simple small jar filled with buttons of all shapes and colors will help the team to have conversations in different ways. The buttons can be used for alignment, goals, accountability, feedback, lean processes, and much more.

Application 1
Let all team members choose 1 button. They get to keep that button for the duration of the session. It is their power button, to be used when: they need a way into the conversation, they observe unnecessary deep dives, etc. With raising the button they stop the conversation (everyone must stop talking) so they can make their point.
Team members feel more empowered and take responsibility for their own and the teams progress.

Application 2
Model a constellation for the team, as an example. Choose a light topic, it is just an illustration. After that, let the team work their own constellation, using the sizes and colors of the buttons to indicate position. Topics can be:
– a recent conflict (what happened, and what would we like to see happening in the future
– a change in context that needs to be worked through
– alignment on business topics
– accountability
– a process that needs to be improved. The buttons serve as steps. In 10 minutes complex issues can be simplified.

Application 3
Role play with the buttons, when teams are reluctant to do role plays. This works well in more rational environments. Instead of working “live” with the people of the team there, let the team work the situation with the buttons. It brings lightness, energy and honest conversation, and steps forward are identified quickly.

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