Duration
30’ from beginning to end
Materials
Seating (chair or cushions) - there should be extra 5-6 places
Origin of Tool
-
Website
http://www.inleadsol.com
The Puzzles Game
Expected outcome
To get people thinking outside the box; to stimulate creativity and cooperation; to make visible the advantages of sharing information.
Abstract
The puzzles games is played by three teams that need to assemble a puzzle each, without knowing that the pieces have been mixed and so the task is impossible, unless they cooperate. They must work in silence and finish in a given time (a few minutes). At some point the trick is discovered and the teams start to cooperate, and usually complete the task very quickly. Debriefing after the game and share the experience. For groups between 12 and 30.
Content
- Prepare the setting: One inner circle with 5-6 places and one outer circle with enough space for everyone. In youth groups, these places can usually be cushions.
- First, all participants will sit in the outer circle.
- Introduce the fishbowl discussion method and the topic of your discussion. The fishbowl method focuses on the discussion taking place within the ‘fishbowl’ (the 5-6 seat circle in the centre of the larger circle). Give the following instructions:
A. Only the ones inside the fishbowl talk. (Exception: Facilitator, if things go wrong).
B. Everybody has the right to go to the inside circle and sit on a cushion.
C. Everybody within the inner circle has the right and even the duty to leave the inner circle at some point in order to give space for others.
D. The group sitting in the inside circle should try to always keep one cushion free for new people.
E. After you give your contribution, stay at least for one other contribution within the circle. Don’t just speak and leave, but wait for the replies.
F. The discussion can be free-flowing, but remind participants to listen to each other respectfully. If applicable, the facilitator can make a proposal or a summary, integrating all the aspects of the discussion.
Wrap up
Once the puzzles are together, after a good laugh, talk about
1) assumptions made
2) what happened when the teams worked in isolation
3) how did the Eureka Moment occur
4) what happened once people realized what was going on.
Only then ask how it relates to their work.
Contribute
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