Here’s a quick, simple and no prop teamwork exercise that helps you teach a foundational principle of “possibility thinking” or “tapping into our individual or team potential”.
Have the group (or individual) stand up and ask them to do the following:
“Reach as high as you can.”
As the facilitator, you should demonstrate as the group does this by reaching toward the ceiling.
Then ask the participants to relax and remain standing.
Once everyone is relaxed and standing, make the following statement:
“Now, I want you to do that again, only this time reach even higher!”
Amazingly, everyone will reach even higher.
Why did they reach higher the second time? Where did the extra effort come from? The answer is simple – – you (their coach) ASKED them to stretch, to go further.
The lesson? We are all capable of way more then we are currently exhibiting.
We’re more likely to “stretch” or go for it when we work with a coach who asks more from us.
View the video clip below of my (then) 8 year old son Joseph. He doesn’t know that I’m going to ask him to “Reach even higher”. Watch his reaction when he reaches higher the second time – – he has a big smile. Why is that? Because reaching higher (going for it) is fun.
Would you like to learn how to help your team “reach even higher”? Check out the IATF Leader As Coach Fast Track Program.
Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?
Join the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators and receive immediate access to the growing online archive of teambuilding games. The lead-it-yourself instructions include:
- Setup & Preparation directions
- Rules
- Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
- Debriefing suggestions
- Variations
- Detailed “how to make it” if props are involved
- Video clips and photos
