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#57: Team Building with Paper

4/19/2022

2 Comments

 

Activities Mentioned in the Episode

Air Zones - Work together as a group, sharing combined knowledge, to make paper airplanes using 8.5 by 11-inch paper - one plane for each participant. Practice launching/flying the planes. For a tougher challenge, don't use the 'zone' area to practice. 

Set up a 'launch line' and three launch zones - the first zone is the largest and closest to the launch line (about 12 feet), the furthest zone is about 20 feet and is the smallest. The mid-zone is in-between the closest and furthest zones, about 16 feet away from the launch line - a bit smaller than the first zone and bigger than the furthest zone. The closest zone to the launch line is worth 15 points, the mid-zone is 25 points, the furthest zone is 50 points. 

Before the official launch, show the group the launch area and share the point value for each zone, then ask everyone in the group how many points they plan to contribute to the team - based on what zone they plan to go for. Add up all the individual goals to establish an overall 'group' goal. Then, each person receives one plane launch, from behind the launch line. Keep track of points as you go. Some participants may decide to adjust their goal in order to reach the overall group goal. 

With application knowledge, play a couple more rounds to see how goals are adjusted and attained. 

NOTE: Chris talked about an easier version of Air Zones. Crumple up the paper into a tossable object. Then, play the same as above. In this version, Chris does not provide time to practice tossing. Players make their best guess, set a goal and go for it.  

Stepping Stones - One piece of paper for each player. Use the paper 'stones' to step on to get from point 'A' to point 'B.' Stepping off the paper results in the loss of a stone (i.e., piece of paper).

Tallest Tower - Small groups of three work together to build the tallest, free standing, tower. Using only paper. 

Paper Tear - Check out This Video for the details. 

Off the Ground - Each player starts with one piece of paper. For each Round, the group goal is the same: Everyone in the group must be off the ground/floor at the same time (i.e., not touching the ground at the same time). Start with everyone standing on his/her piece of paper - no part of a person may be touching the ground, or anything else. Done. 

Then, take away three pieces of paper. Go for the goal. Yes, papers can be relocated. Done. Take away two pieces of paper. Go for the goal. Then, take away one piece of paper before the next few Rounds. Ultimately, the group will not have enough paper to stand on. But, does the group really need the paper to accomplish the goal? What if they all simply jumped up into the air at the same time? 

​Do you have a favorite Paper Team Builder? Leave us a Comment. 
Find Us At: 
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
(Online Store for Team Builders, Trainings, Activity Database, FREE Resources)
Sign up for Michelle's weekly E-Newsletter HERE
michelle@training-wheels.com

Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
(Online Store - Digital Downloads, Blogs, Online School, FREE Resources) 
Sign up for the FUNdoing Fridays activity email HERE
chris@onteambuilding.com


Music from Josh (our Ask Michelle & Chris podcast editor)
OTB Graphics - RikiResources Mentioned in the Episode​
2 Comments
Neil Mercer link
2/5/2023 12:11:24 am

Dear Chris and Michelle,
Thanks for this podcast (#57).
I think I played Paper Tear many years ago and have since suceeded in forgetting about it.
I shall shortly be travelling to work at a Family Camp in Hungary attended by Ukrainan mothers and children taking a "breather" from the daily challenges and traumas that they are experiencing at home. My function will be to give them opportunities to be with each other and to focus on the humanity that is around them - raising, amongst other things, issues of trust and communication.
I think that this exercise could be a great trigger for good conversation.
One alteration I would make in this instance would be less to present it as "my expecation" rather than "our objective". By framing it as a collective aim, I believe that it raises the personal responsibility or even commitment to the outcome. In this case, I feel Expectation belongs to the facilitator/employer/ manager rather than to the participants.
Thanks again for reminding me of this - I think it will be very interesting.
Warm regards,
Neil

Reply
Chris
2/9/2023 10:08:17 am

Thanks for sharing your insights Neil! (Good to hear from you.) Your adventure sounds amazing. Please let us know how "our expectations" works out for you. I like the approach. Thanks for doing your amazing work. Safe Travels!

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