As you saw last month, managers are an integral part of any team and it is important that they have the opportunity to participate in larger-scale teambuilding, rather than always having to facilitate it. However, for shorter team exercises, such as to introduce a topic for discussion or provide an energizer during a standing team meeting, it is often more practical for the manager to lead. Throughout the year, we will periodically include activities like the one below that you can facilitate with your own team. We would love your feedback on what you liked best or how you modified it. Share your comments with us at Newsletter@kscopic.ca.

This month's Quick Tip is an activity that can be used when a team is having trouble listening well to each other or to customers.

Materials:

-Markers for each group

-Flipchart paper for each group

-Tape to post the flipcharts

1. Divide the team into groups of 4 - 6 people and provide them with a flipchart and markers.
2. Instruct the groups that you will explain their task and that there is no further talking.
3. Tell the groups that they are to work together to draw their ideal work environment without talking. Money is no object. Give them 7-10 minutes.
4. Give groups a 1 minute warning before calling for the end of the activity.
5. Ask each group to present their drawing to the large team.
6. Debrief the exercise using the following questions (approximately 5-7 minutes).

Debrief Questions:

1. What was your reaction when you learned you could not speak during the exercise?
2. How did you communicate as a group?
3. Were you able to get your desired message across?
4. How does this apply to the workplace?

Tips for Success:

• Depending on your team's particular challenge, you may allow them to choose their group, or you may consider assigning groups. Be aware of the impact of either choice on the activity.
• Determine ahead of time whether you will allow them to write notes to each other during the planning/drawing stage. Either way, mention your decision only if it comes up.
• Observe the groups as they work to customize debrief questions based on your observations.

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