Activities and Customized Solutions
Activities:
Tower Power - Leadership Team Ice Breaker
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There have been a lot of different versions on this theme but one that I often like to use is the following:
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Divide the group into teams of 2 to 3 depending on the group size. If needed, you can have 4 individuals in a group but that is really the outer limit.
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Make sure each team has a flat table to work at (if you have long tables you may decide to have 2 groups at each table.
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Give each team the following:
- 24 Pieces of thick spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 meter of masking tape
- 1 meter of string
- 1 pair of scissors
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Instruct the group that the goal of each team is to build the tallest tower out of the supplies given and only the supplies give. They will have 20 minutes to complete this activity. (A marshmallow may also be included in the supplies for each team with the requirements that it be positioned on the top of the tower.)
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After 20 minutes use a tape measure and record the height of each tower on for the group to see and them announce the winner. (Its always best if you have brought along a small prize for the winning team to make the occasion).
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Setting the Foundation - The Productivity Conversation
This activity is for a leadership team that works or interacts with each other often. It centers around the first principal in the book. To prepare select a room that has a large table. Large enough that the group can sit around comfortably with ample space so that the team does not fee crowed. Make sure there is a project or monitor where slides or notes can be displayed. Its important to allow at least 2 hours depending on the group size. For groups greater than 6, allow for 3 hours. If there are more than 12 in the group, divide the group for the second part of the activity.
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Have the group read the chapter focused on the 1st principle "Productivity is the Goal". Talk about the organization and what its goal is in regards to its value (financially) and how that impacts each one on the leadership team and the company long term. I always like to use a few illustrations when talking about this point.
Have the team discuss each one and its impact. Next begin discussing employee engagement and how it impacts (positively or negatively) the goal and then talk about the organizations attributes. You can begin with the attributes listed in the chapter. The discussion should not be rushed and its important as a facilitator you get the team talking. This activity is not about identifying specific actions to take but having the leadership team become mindful of of the importance of productivity and factors that impact it.
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Getting in the Zone - Building on Diversity
Have the team read the chapter on the 7th principle "Team Diversity is a Strength". Talk about the importance of diversity and the concept of a zone of ideal functionality for a team. Remind the team of the discussion they just had in Part 1 of the activity on productivity and how this concept of diversity and zone of ideal functionality makes teams more productive. Ask the individuals involved to pick a number between 1 and 20. Write their name and their number down and display the list on the screen.
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Prior to the meeting make up a sheet with the list of opposing characteristics as shown in the chapter. At the top of each page add a place to record a name. Make enough copies so that each attendee will have one for each person. As you discuss the exercise stress the importance of working to move towards this zone of ideal functionality. Reinforce that for this activity to be effective everyone must be supportive of one another and truly be interested in helping the leadership team and the individual improve by understand how they are perceived. Next pass out one form to each participant. Ask the person whose name appears on the list with the highest number to leave the room and fill out the form. Once the individual has left the room, as the remaining attendees to complete the for individually. Give them about 5 to 10 minutes and then begin discussing the results of each line, the reasoning behind it. Work to come to agreement on where the individual is positioned on the line. Once the group has completed its work have the individual return to the room and discuss the groups output with them. Remind the group that this is an exercise designed to help leadership team members to become more aware (mindful) allowing for improved functionality within a team. Finish the exercise with a discussion on the importance that a well performing leadership team works together help the team operate in this ideal zone of functionality.
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