Communication, Team management, Leadership, Problem Solving
Training Game Overview
The Symbol Game is ideal as a course opener, icebreaker or learning review activity for a wide variety of workshops as it explores issues of Leadership styles, Problem Solving, Delegation and Team Cooperation. The game enables a relatively quick reinforcement of these key skill areas in a fun yet demanding manner.
Twelve cards are distributed around the group. Each carries a selection from a total of twelve symbols. The tutor chooses one symbol as his own and the task of the group is to devise a system that will enable any member (if chosen as the interrogator) to identify this symbol by a questioning process. The exercise is designed for groups of 5-9 members and comes complete with enough cards for two groups. It needs about 75 minutes including debrief.
Learning Outcomes
The Symbol Game will provide participants with an immediate, shared and enjoyable experience of problem solving which will serve as a base for performance analysis and the discussion of inter-personal behaviour.
The exercise will:
- Demonstrate the importance of leadership style
- Provide practice in leadership skills.
- Improve communication skills within a team
- Demonstrate the meaning of managerial responsibility.
- Encourage a sensitive approach to developing new skills within a work group
- Open up issues that illustrate the problems experienced in the delegation process
How it works
There is a pack of twelve cards, each bearing a selection of seven out of a total of twelve symbols. The facilitator chooses one symbol for his/her own and the group task is to devise a method of interrogation which will allow any one of the members to put questions to the facilitator and identify his symbol. The rules permit two questions only - "Is your symbol on this card?" (this question can be asked any number of times) and "Is this your symbol?" (this question can be asked, only once). A "YES" in response to the second question means success: a "NO" means failure. The facilitator is allowed to choose the interrogator, who has to operate the agreed system on his or her own. If they fail, the entire group (especially the leader) is deemed to have failed. No special degree of blame attaches to the individual. Success in the exercise requires that every member of the group should understand the task and the chosen work method. Also that every member should be capable of carrying out the task successfully.
Contents
Tutor manual; Problem cards; Post exercise discussion questionnaire and all supporting documentation
Trainer Helpline
We know that games and simulations can bring fun, learning and challenge to the programmes you deliver. Therefore, we would welcome the opportunity to talk you through any of our wide range of activities to ensure that you obtain the maximum benefit from your purchase. Please
contact us or call us on
+44 (0) 1202 729823.
Who is it for? Employees at all levels seeking to improve their ability to cooperate and solve problems.
Duration: 75 minutes
Number of Participants: 5 - 9
