What we do
Some of the challenges and their objectives
The activities are graded in complexity and each one is designed to build on the learnings of the earlier exercises.
Our programme begins with an activity that brings out the problems created by blindly stepping out without planning, and having too many chiefs and not enough Indians. The need for a clear vision of the final objective is clearly established.
The repeat session shows -
- the importance of good leadership and co-ordination;
- the need for a clear understanding of the goal by each individual; and
- the value of small group planning and practice.
The next series of activities focuses on the need to identify in detail the available resources and their application to the task. Brainstorming ideas comes to the fore, as does the value of the individual standing back to get the broad view.
Other factors that emerge are -
- developing a balance between speed and quality;
- being able to identify the critical path;
- the value of chunking the job down and running the chunks in parallel; and
- the value of cross skilling.
Critiques with other groups who are attempting the same task provide the opportunity for team members to develop the skills needed when giving, taking and accepting other observations and ideas.
The activities that then follow draw on the skills developed in previous activities but which now require a greater degree of creative and lateral thinking to achieve results. Strong leadership is essential to manage good resource analysis leading to an effective brainstorming process.
The problems of maintaining effective communication are highlighted, either by the group being closely confined or, under other circumstances, being isolated from each other.
