Free Team Building Game
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Broken Squares
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Time
: 30
minutes
Participants
: 6 to (almost)
unlimited numbers
Purpose:
Team building;
good ice-breaker.
Learning
Points:
-
Participation and
cooperation by all members of a team are essential
to attain team and individual goals.
-
It is
necessary to understand the objectives of the task
at hand.
-
Lack
of communication makes the problem-solving process
almost impossible.
-
Problem solving
requires that team members keep an open mind to a
variety of potential solutions.
Preparation and Notes for
Facilitator:
-
Make
the broken squares by using the
template. Print or
photocopy so that each square is about 6 X 6 inches.
Cut the squares apart on the lines. Mix them up and
then put an equal (or about equal) number of pieces in
5 envelopes. Make sure each group has 5 complete
squares or one set. You will need one set for each team
of 5 members. If you use card stock, you should be able
to use the same squares over and over again. (If
you really want reusable pieces, laminate them
before cutting.)
-
Print
Instruction Sheets (see below) for each team and a
set of instructions for each
judge/observer.
-
NOTE:
Teams must have 5-6 members each.
-
Give
each of the groups a set of five broken square
envelopes, and instruct the groups to distribute one
envelope to each of the five participants. (Do not
open the envelopes until instructed to do
so.).
-
Give
each group a copy of the "Broken Squares Team
Instruction." Read these instructions to the groups.
Ask for questions to ensure
understanding.
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Provide
judges/observers with a copy of the
Broken Squares Observer
Sheet.
-
Instruct the
groups to begin the task. Monitor the groups, along
with the judge/observers, to ensure that the groups
follow the rules fairly closely.
-
When
the groups complete the task or time runs out, have
the judge/observer help you lead a discussion of the
experience. Ask, "What happened during
the process?" Encourage the team to relate this
experience to their work situation.
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Optional
debrief: have table discussions about
questions that fit your objectives.
Examples:
-
how
did you feel as an individual?
-
what
were the different interactions?
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what
caused the frustrations?
-
how
did you feel as a team?
-
are
there any similarities to people and departments in
this organization?
Common
themes that often emerge
-
the
need to give something up to benefit the whole team
(or organization)
-
being able to
see what needs to be done but not being allowed to
say
-
not
wanting to 'play', if you don't see the reason or
understand the benefit
Common frustrations
expressed
-
some
want to take control and direct others
-
some
want time to sit back and think
-
some
want to see what happens before getting
involved
-
some
find it difficult as they need to talk
Have the entire team develop a set of learning points for
transfer back on the job, which you record on a flip
chart.
Broken Squares Group
Instruction Sheet
Each of
you has an envelope which contains pieces for forming
squares. When the facilitator gives the signal to begin,
the task for your group is to form five squares of equal
size. The task will not be completed until each
individual has before him/her a perfect square of the same size
as those in front of the other group members.
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There is to be no
talking, pointing, gesturing or any other kind of
communicating.
-
You may only use the
pieces provided.
-
You may give
pieces directly to other participants, but may not
take pieces from other members, or in any way
signal that another person is to give you a
piece.
-
You may not place your
pieces into the center for others to take.
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Race
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Apprentice
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Deal
The Idol
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