Blind Polygon

What: A challenging problem-solving initiative that casts light on the team's listening skills, roles, meeting dynamics and problem-solving processes.

Group Size: 10-30

Time: One hour

Props: One blindfold per participant; one 50 - 100 foot length of rope; video camera (optional)

Objective: For the blindfolded group to form a perfect square (or triangle, or hexagon if you're somewhat sadistic ...) with the rope.

Instructions:

Blindfold the group, lay a rope on the ground somewhere in their midst, then cryptically tell them that there is something in their midst that they will need to find, that they will know it when they find it, and that you will give the group further instructions when each person is holding the prop. Instruct them to move slowly and with their hands out in front of them to prevent bumps. After the group finds the rope, tell them to make it into as perfect a square as they can, and that they will have up to twenty minutes to do so. Videotape the whole affair. When the group decides that it has made a square, they can remove their blindfolds and check their work. Total time to this point is 30 minutes.

Pop the tape into a VCR and play it back for the group, pausing it at points and inviting participants to observe and point out significant aspects of their group process. Debrief time is 30 minutes for a total of one hour.

Facilitator Notes:

1. This activity is challenging - expect some resistance or "checking-out."

2. POSSIBLE USES:
   • ASSESSMENT / OWNERSHIP OF ISSUES: When used at the beginning of a training day, have the group identify the strengths that they observe and the opportunities for growth. Depending upon the group's performance, can also be used at the conclusion of training to note improvement.

   • SKILLS PRACTICE: Can also be used following classroom training as skills practice on identified areas for improvement. In this activity, the group must 1) hold a meeting, 2) problem-solve, and 3) make a decision, so it is most appropriate as part of any of these trainings.