Seeing the Point serves as an ideal ice-breaker or introductory exercise, fostering innovation and assisting teams in tackling complex challenges. Seeing the Point can be deployed as a
non-verbal virtual training activity.
The activity unfolds in two distinct stages:
-
Individual Creativity: Participants, divided into small sub-teams, utilise their given components to craft as many unique shapes as possible.
-
Collaborative Innovation: All sub-teams converge, pooling their components without adding extras. The challenge? To create even more shapes by leveraging collective creativity.
At its core, Seeing The Point visually encapsulates the principle of 'doing more with less'. It contrasts the linear, step-by-step problem-solving method with the expansive realm of 'breakthrough' or 'blue-sky' thinking. This engaging activity is perfect for introducing concepts like 'alignment' and 'synergy'. While the initial challenge is intriguing, subsequent tasks demand a shift in thinking and collaborative dynamics to arrive at a solution.
A prevalent sentiment among teams is the daunting task of achieving more with fewer resources. This activity challenges that notion, prompting learners to adopt a fresh perspective, transcending apparent constraints and conventional solutions.
In the first stage, up to four sub-teams receive seven components each, with the goal to form four distinct shapes. They can manipulate these components on-screen, adjusting their orientation and position. The subsequent challenge, crafting five shapes, demands a paradigm shift in thinking. In the second stage, while each team can view components from other groups, they can only manipulate their own. The overarching question: Can they craft more shapes collectively than they did in their isolated sub-teams? The answer is a resounding yes.
Furthermore, Seeing The Point underscores the significance of diversity. When diverse elements (or colours) come together, they achieve more than when segregated.
Key Learning Outcomes:
-
Enhanced Problem Solving: Cultivate advanced problem-solving techniques.
-
Creativity & Innovation: Foster creativity and nurture innovative thinking.
-
Breaking Patterns: Rehearse thinking skills that challenge and replace old patterns.
-
Diverse Approaches: Understand the nuances between incremental problem-solving and 'breakthrough thinking'.
-
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Delve into the nature of 'limiting beliefs' and their potential to stifle creative processes.
-
Synergy in Action: Experience the practical demonstration of 'synergy' – achieving more with fewer resources.
-
Embracing Change: Champion change management by thinking 'outside the box'.