An Experiential Training Game by Ron Kaufman

The Puzzle of Teamwork^TM is a high-energy training activity that challenges participants to critically analyze and improve the way they work together. This game highlights the importance of leadership, planning, communication and internal service partnership, and rewards innovative thinking with significant improvements in productivity and morale.

To begin The Puzzle of Teamwork, participants are divided into competing Divisions. Each Division consists of several Departments, and each Department is seated at a table apart from other Departments.

In Round One, Department members work together to complete jigsaw puzzles on their respective tables. However, the puzzle pieces for the Division have been "mixed up" before the game, requiring extensive resource sharing, service partnership and multi-directional communication to complete the tasks at hand.

Strict and humorous rules are imposed to restrict participants' movements during the game. However, participants are able to innovate creatively within the rules, leading to immediate progress in playing the game, and new effective insights for the players.

Throughout Round One, everyone competes against the clock where "Speed Wins!" and the first Division to complete the puzzles "wins" that round of play.

Following Round One, participants discuss how they can improve their scores by learning from experience and changing their approaches to the game. After sharing ideas amongst and between Divisions, everyone applies a new approach in Round Two. The results are immediate, powerful and dramatic. Everyone experiences major improvements in teamwork, communication and performance.

During the debriefing, participants realize the true "contest" is not between the scores of one internal Division versus another. Instead, the most important contest we face is with ourselves: how much can we improve our own "score" in business and in life from day to day, quarter to quarter and year to year.

To complete the game, participants discuss the Key Learning Points that emerged during the game and find ways to bring these points back to work: improving communications, increasing cooperation, enhancing leadership and planning, and innovating for improved speed, service and performance.

Key Learning Points:

1. Think creatively. Learn to see problems from "another point of view."
2. Designate clear responsibility for leadership.
3. Take responsibility for communication and coordination between teams.
4. Recognize current competencies and leverage existing skills.
5. Promote active learning throughout your organization.
6. Carelessness costs! Rules and regulations count!
7. Innovation boosts performance. Creativity creates results.
8. Flexibility works. You can be creative....and stay within rules.
9. There is power in persistence. If you don't ask, you don't get!
10. Share the vision. Understand the importance of seeing "the big picture."
11. Setting goals and targets can motivate teams to improved performance.
12. Celebrate success to boost team morale.

The duration of this game can range from one to four hours, depending upon the size of group and extent of "processing" and "debriefing" conducted during and after the game.

Logistics:

The Puzzle of Teamwork requires one large area (indoors or outdoors), and a moderate amount of preparation. One table is required for each 3-5 participants, with one chair per person. The exact room layout of tables and chairs can be done by the participants themselves, and will be arranged just prior to conduct of the game.

The amount of props necessary for this game depends upon the size of your group. Ron Kaufman will bring all materials required.

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