River
Crossing requires clear communication as well as the passing
of critical information from person to person. This event
will show what happens when there are gaps in communication
and the resulting frustration will be a source of long dialogue.
The
goal of the exercise is to have the entire team involved,
demonstrate the power of teamwork and show the interdependence
teams have.
River
Crossing requires that groups must cross a 'river' using on
the tools available. The entire team must cross at the same
time.
At
the beginning, the goal (the other side of the river) is clear
to everyone. As the team moves into the middle of the river,
everyone's perspective changes - some are in front, some in
back and no one can see the same thing, or have the same information,
as everyone else.
Occassionally
mistakes are made and the person in back, or the least likely
to lead which is why they are in the back, must now take charge
and tell everyone what to do.
Throughout
the entire activity, everyone's perspective is constantly
changing and the information changes. Communication must be
clear to cross the river in time.
Our
best results have occurred in groups that are goal setting
or going through a change of some kind.
Change
is NEVER static, much like a river. And many times, leadership
must be shared by many to actually accomplish the goal.
What
is the other side of the river for your group?
This
is a fun activity that your group will not forget and
relates easily back to work.
Listen to an impromptu
audio clip describing the benefits of the River Crossing 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