This is a great team activity that demonstrates how leaders sometimes have to make irreversible decisions based on best available knowledge at the time.
Set-up: Divide students into teams of three. Give each team 5 rubber bands (same size) and a sheet of Post-It® pad paper.
Announce that the goal for each team is to use the rubber bands to propel the Post-It note as far as possible. Each team will get one chance to launch their Post-It note. Nothing but rubber bands and team member fingers can be used. Rubber bands can be cut, broken and tied, but nothing can be added such as tape, pencils, staples, etc. All three team members can be involved in launching the Post-It Note.
Give each team 10 minutes to come up with their solution and be prepared to demonstrate in front of the group.
Have each group attempt to launch their Post-It Note. Record the length of each and announce the winners.
Use the following processing questions. Have multiple students respond to each question.
What happened as your team determined the design of your rubber band launcher?
Were there any disagreements about the design?
What was most challenging about choosing a final design?
How did it feel to make a decision – like cutting a rubber band – that you knew you couldn’t undo?
What kinds of decisions are leaders faced with where there is uncertainty about the outcome but the decision is irreversible?
What did you learn from this experience that could apply to those situations as a leader?
Enjoy the activity!
Leadership Development Tip for July 3, 2008
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