This team activity allows you to creatively demonstrate the power of a collective vision. It works with any size group and requires about five minutes. You will need easel paper and a marking pen.
Assemble in a space large enough for the group to mingle about and gather in a circle. Ask the team members to close their eyes. Ask, “Where are we going? Please point your finger to where you think we are going.”
After everyone has pointed somewhere, ask the team members to open their eyes. Many fingers might be pointed in the same general direction, but there are probably many fingers pointed all over the room.
Ask, “What would need to happen to have everyone pointing their fingers in the same direction?” Capture the answers on an easel chart.
Debrief and Summarize
After all have had a chance to participate, debrief the activity:
- Does the team have a collective vision? Do you know where you are going?
- What actions are you willing to take to be “in alignment” with the vision?
Summarize by commenting on the power of a common vision and teams. By sharing the vision with our team members, we can all move toward the same direction.
Variation
If you like, continue this activity by demonstrating the power of communicating a common vision. “I envision that this team needs to go to Los Angeles next Tuesday to deliver a presentation on this team at 10 a.m. to the media about a specific project.” Repeat the vision. Let it sink in.
Ask, “What are you thinking? What needs to be done in order to be successful in Los Angeles?” Quickly go around the room and ask what is on the top of their minds (e.g., plane tickets, putting together the presentation, what are we going to do in L.A.? etc.).
Emphasize the point that people are naturally goal seeking, and once given a vision of the future, can figure out how to get there.
If you like this activity, check out my book, Team Energizers, for 49 other team activities!
Kristin Arnold is a professional meeting facilitator and international speaker who is passionate about helping leaders and their teams think things through, make better decisions and achieve sustainable results. The Extraordinary Team’s approach to building high performance teams combines consulting, coaching, training and process facilitation within the context of working real issues.
Recent Articles:
Team Building Activity: Streamline the Process
Mentoring: Gaining Wisdom Without Risk
Stretch your Leadership Team’s Ability to Think Strategically
