The Perfect
Square is another easy event that can be very powerful because
of the experience the group will go through. Incredibly
simplistic in design, most groups do not take the time
to plan correctly or set groundrules for communication, which
will create frustration levels due to the lack of clear
communication.
The leadership
that will emerge and the group participation (or lack thereof)
will always reveal interesting insights and draw out
learning from the team members. Often, the leadership role
will not change, even to the detriment of the team and accomplishing
the exercise. Does this sound similar to work? The comment
most often heard is that the leader wanted to give up the
role, but felt uncomfortable telling the team they did not
know what to do. Similarly, the team was frustrated with the
leader due to lack of direction. Sound similar yet?
Obviously,
this does not happen in every group, but often once certain
'rules' are created, spoken or unspoken, they are difficult
to break even when the team wants to.
Interdependence
is clear in this activity and group consensus can be
difficult to reach, but very important. Also, the need for
open and controlled communication is necessary to accomplish
the task.
This is
definitely not a run-around, get-warmed-up and have fun exercise.
But it is extremely valuable and has been a favorite for years.
This exercise
runs equally well inside and outside.
Listen to an impromptu
audio clip describing the benefits of the Perfect Square team
building activity...
Bayer Healthcare Diabetes
Weyerhauser
Baxter Healthcare
Duke Energy
Foster Farms
U. of Vermont
Citigroup
ServiceMaster
BD
Codman, A J&J Co.
Roche Diagnostics
Aristocrat