Broken Square

Exercise for training in collaboration and group problem-solving

Requirements:
1. Pieces of broken square in five envelops
2. Instruction sheet for the players
3. Instruction sheet for observers
Time: Approximately 45 min for one round
Procedure: Participants are divided in to groups of five each. One set of broken
squares (16 pieces) are put into five envelops. Each participant may be given a
copy of the instruction for players. The groups should be treated round the table.
The observer should be requested to assemble round the table.
Task: The task is to make five squares of equal size from one set (16 pieces) as
soon as possible.
Restrictions/Instructions: No member will speak. No member is allowed to
demand or ask for pieces from others. Members may, however, give pieces to
others. The pieces can be given to another person but cannot be thrown in the
middle or anywhere else.
Things to be observed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Who made the square first?

Who broke his square in order to give pieces to others?
Who was reluctant to break his square once he made?
Who was holding to pieces and with what effect?
Who is looking around assessing the needs of other participants and trying
to help others?
6. Any other behaviour shown by the participants that either facilitated or
inhibited the group performance.

Team Building or Strategy Game

Here the participants are given an activity for displaying their team building
skills. They are asked to stand within a small square with maximum number of
team members. They may have to stand on one leg or over one another but
should beat the other team in numbers.

Catch if you
Participants are divided into groups of 3-4 members. One participant takes
the responsibility to throw the ball into a glass (disposable glass) which
another participant is holding. Once one ball is thrown into the glass, a
second glass is kept on the first glass (having a ball) and the process
continues till 10 balls are thrown into 10 glasses.
Snakes - A Trust and Team Building Activity
Non-verbal communication to guide a team through trust and team-building
activity. The team members form a snake or stand in a que putting their hand on

the shoulders of the person standing ahead. The team members are blindfolded
only the last member can see the target and guide the chain to reach the target.
Minefield -- Duct Tape Teambuilding Game
The participants are divided into groups of 5 -6 members. Each team has to
choose a leader who will be giving directions to the team members to cross the
minefield. The team members are blindfolded and they are supposed to follow
the instruction given by team leader. The team leader has to give directions to all
the team members simultaneously.
This exercise is basically to develop skills in leader to handle a group of 5 -6
persons. This exercise involves planning, directing and monitoring the progress.