The Cutting Edge of Teamwork

We recently received the following request for an activity:

"I have a dinner for 1500 persons, and I need to start off with an activity about teaming.  Each dinner table will seat 12 persons, & my request is a half hour game that doesn't require my guests to get up or do any physical activity."

That one had me stumped, so I contacted Sam Sikes of DoingWorks.  Sam is a superb facilitator and has been creating new, truly unique experiential activities for years (as evidenced by many of his books which we have the pleasure of featuring in our online store).

Sam sent the following copy, which we're pleased to provide for you.  Note that Step 4 below would not fulfill the request above, but I include it for you adventurous types. 

Sam will be sharing several more examples of his work over the next few months, so stay tuned ...

PROPS:

• 12 knives for each set of 4 people

• 12 Large marshmallows for pedestals

• A picture of what you want the knives to look like at the end of each
  round (below)

(Click for larger pic)

OBJECTIVE:

Duplicate a structure using knives and marshmallows.

HISTORY:

Jeff Yang submitted this activity sequence with pictures. I have used the
first stage many times as a simple problem solving activity, however this
sequence of stages creates a rich opportunity for a presenter to teach the
concept of experiential learning and for people to understand how activities
can teach.

PREPARATION:

For larger groups, divide the knives and marshmallows into groups of three
and place the sets on several tables so that people can get them easily.

For smaller groups, have the knives and marshmallows available on a table.

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a moment we will be working with some knives and marshmallows. Please be
careful not to cut yourself with the knives and please do not eat the
marshmallows. I will be showing you some pictures of a structure I would
like you to reproduce. Take your time and ask questions as we go. After
each of the four stages, we will discuss what you did and I will ask some
questions.

Go gather three knives and three marshmallows.

Round 1

Use the three knives as bridges and three marshmallows as pedestals to build
a structure like the one pictured. Each knife blade rests on only one other
knife and the marshmallows are more than a knife's length apart.

Round 2

Partner with someone near you. With the combined materials you have with
your partner, build a structure like the one in the picture (below) using six knives
and six marshmallows.

(Click for larger pic)

Round 3

Now gather with another pair to make the structure in the picture. All four
of you will use twelve knives and twelve marshmallows. Each knife blade
rests on only one other knife.

(Click for larger pic)

Round 4

Now it's time for you to use yourselves as resources rather than the knives
and marshmallows. In your group of four you will use your bodies like the
knives and your hands and arms like the marshmallows. Each person will
place his feet in the lap of another person so that when everyone
straightens their bodies, the only thing touching the floor will be hands!

FACILITATOR NOTES:

This activity is not really about creativity. Many people will vary their
design to make building the structure easier or unique. Encourage people to
build what they see in the picture.

As some people finish earlier than others, ask them to coach other teams as
appropriate.

The following can be a series of discussion points as people experience the
four stages:

Round 1

Individuals use three knives and three pedestals to experience the
difference between a "group" and a "team". How are the three knives, before
the construction, like a group and the same three knives, after the
construction, like a team?

Round 2

Pairs use six knives and six pedestals to experience the difference between
"working individually" and "cooperating with a partner". What were the
differences between working alone on the first round and working together on
this second round?

Round 3

Four people use twelve knives and twelve pedestals to experience the
difference between "small team size" and "large team size". In what ways
does team size effect performance and interaction?

Round 4

Four people use their bodies to experience the differences between "talking
about something as if it is real" and "really experiencing it". What are
the differences between using activities and models and doing things for
real?

NOTE: On Round 4 be sure people are aware of others' physical abilities. It is
going to be some weight on wrists, arms, and knees especially. I haven't
had any problems, but I do encourage people sit out if they have any injury
concerns.

VARIATIONS:

• Rather than progressing through all the stages, choose one of the
  structures that a team builds. The three knives structure is deceptively
  hard for many people.

• Use platforms and 2 X 6 lumber instead of marshmallows and knives to
  "giant-size" the activity. People can even walk to other platforms without
  touching the ground. Four platforms and boards will be more stable than
  three.

• If you are hesitant to use knives with your population, substitute paint
  stir sticks or long-handled spoons.

• After you complete Round 4, challenge the teams to raise eight people
  interlocked or twelve or sixteen.

• Another fun variation to Round 4 is to ask the team members to sit
  sideways in chairs positioned so that the backs of the chairs are on the
  outside. Everyone leans way back to put their head and shoulders on another
  person's stomach. Everyone lifts out of their seats and the seats are
  removed to leave four or more people supported by their feet.

OTHER POTENTIAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What were some of the key factors that allowed you to accomplish each task?

• How did your role change as more people were added to the task?

• Based on your overall experience, what are some advantages to learning by
  doing?

Sam is the founder of DoingWorks Inc., a training organization that specializes in experiential learning techniques. Sam trains, facilitates, and speaks in a variety of corporate and educational settings including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and universities. Best known for his creativity, Sam has trained groups of as few as two people and as many as three thousand.

No, Sam didn't really snap the trap on his lip.