Rickety Bridge

Objective

To enhance team coordination and collaboration among members.

Group Size

Ideally suited for teams of 6 to 15 individuals.

Time Needed

Preparation: 15-30 minutes (depending on materials and the complexity of the…

Rules

The team’s objective is to move all members from the starting point to…

Debrief Questions

What happened during the team’s attempt to cross the “bridge”?

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Information

Space Needed

Sufficiently large area to set up the “bridge” with a safe zone around it.
Can be indoors (gymnasium, large hall) or outdoors (flat grassy area).
Ensure the surface is non-slip.

Facilitator Notes

Safety is the top priority. Thoroughly inspect the stability of the “bridge” before starting.
Explain the rules clearly and ensure all participants understand them.
Observe team interactions and intervene when necessary to encourage collaboration.
Encourage teams to discuss and plan their strategy before execution.
Adjust the difficulty of the “bridge” based on the participants’ abilities.
Specifically observe: How different “departments” communicate, share resources, and adapt to the unstable “new structure.” Note instances of effective collaboration and areas for improvement.

Materials Needed

2 Wooden Blocks:

Height: 15cm
Width: 40cm
Length: 30cm

2 Wooden Planks:

Plank 1: Length: 1.8 meters
Plank 2: Length: 1 meter
Both Planks: Thickness: 4cm x 6cm

Ropes (to create handrails or support points).

Other items as per the “bridge” design (e.g., sacks, bricks, chairs…).

Marking tape or lines to define the start and finish points.

(Optional) Mats or soft materials for padding under the “bridge” to enhance safety.

Tips for Success

Listen to and respect each other’s opinions and departmental expertise.
Communicate clearly and effectively across “departments.”
Plan and assign “departmental” responsibilities.
Trust and support your fellow “departments.”
Experiment with different approaches to navigate the “unstable” environment.
Stay calm and patient when facing difficulties and setbacks.
Safety comes first.

Your Team Building Plan

Optional

Varying Difficulty: Increase the gaps between planks, make the “bridge” surface slippery, or add obstacles to simulate increasing complexities in the new structure.
Limited Resources: Provide teams with limited materials to build their own “bridge,” mirroring resource constraints during restructuring.
Blindfolded Challenge: Some “departments” are “operating with limited information” (blindfolded) and must rely on other “departments” for guidance.

Application

Soft skills training sessions.

Extracurricular activities for students.

Team-building programs for businesses and organizations.

Team cohesion events.

Specifically relevant for: Teams undergoing organizational changes, cross-functional collaboration initiatives, and efforts to improve inter-departmental communication.

Real-World Simulation: Navigating Organizational Restructuring

Imagine your team represents different departments within a technology company undergoing a restructuring process. The “rickety bridge” you are about to cross symbolizes a new workflow or a critical inter-departmental project where seamless collaboration is paramount for success.
Just as the departments may have previously operated independently, the steps on the bridge can feel unstable and precarious without coordinated effort and mutual support. The shared objective of getting the entire “company” (all team members) to the “other side” (successfully completing the project/adapting to the new structure) safely and efficiently is key.
gAny “missteps” or lack of coordination between “departments” (members) can lead to delays, errors, or even “failure” (a member touching the ground, causing the team to pause or backtrack).