Two teams must work together to construct a miniature city using building blocks. The 'Visionaries' are given photo cards of the buildings while the 'Doers' are seated at a table with the blocks. The Visionaries may not show their cards to each other or to the Doers, and they cannot touch the blocks. They can only give verbal instructions to the Doers.
No one knows it at first, but each photo card has a slightly different view of the building to be constructed. The group is confused at first, but quickly realizes that they must use other’s unique perspectives, along with explicit communication, to build the city.
Once the buildings are erected, the Visionaries exchange photo cards to check the results, and everyone reflects on the experience. If time permits, the Visionaries and Doers can swap roles and do the activity again, applying their new insights.
This activity is ideal for addressing multiple perspectives, giving and receiving information, effective collaboration, and optimizing work processes.
Do it Yourself
Construct a number of buildings yourself, take pictures of them from different angles, then send the photos to the Visionaries’ smart phones. In this way, you can create your very own FutureCity!
Flying Blind
For a real challenge, separate Visionaries and Doers using a screen or cubicle divider so the Visionaries can still deliver instructions, but not see the Doers or construction. Once the buildings are complete, remove the barrier and discuss the results.
SHARE THIS TOOL
Use it for giving and receiving information, and accepting views and ideas from others
Use it for cooperating to achieve a shared goal, highlighting different working styles, and exchanging information
Use it for planning and optimizing work processes, and seeing a challenge through to completion
Use it for adapting to make progress, and demonstrating individuals’ need to contribute to group projects
Use it for experiencing interdependencies, and synchronizing the actions of the parts to achieve system goals
Use it for a fun and easy kick off, to activate a group, and to create team
Participants (min / optimal / max) | Time for Activity |
---|---|
4 / 12 / 24 | 15-45 mins |
Materials | Space Needed |
36 multi-dimensional building blocks Photo cards 1 detailed instruction manual | Table measuring 24 x 24 in (60 x 60 cm) for 2 buildings 32 x 32 in (80 x 80 cm) for 3-4 buildings 48 x 32 in (120 x 80 cm) for 24 people |
Dimensions | Weight |
18 x 13.75 x 3 in (45.7 x 34.9 x 7.6 cm) | 12.8 lb (5.8 kg) |
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These tools are so unique and engaging! I appreciate that I can use them again and again and it doesn't require ongoing costs or costs to train facilitators. They will be a very flexible and efficient part of our training toolbox.
Shannon Krajewski
Sept 19, 2023
I have several Metalog tools including Tower of Power, Perspactive, StackMan and recently purchased Team Squared. The products are made with high quality materials. Team building goals are easily met and participants always gain personal insights into how they manage various challenges. The fact that the activities are lots of fun is a bonus.
Patti Samuels
Sept 12, 2023
My agency has had a great experience with Metalog Tools. We purchase their products for agency team building events and the staff enjoy them. The customer service is also fabulous! Thank you so much!
Monica Marcum
Jun 23, 2022
I participated in a webinar put on by Metalog Tools USA and it was phenomenal! The very next day I used some of what I learned in a team building I did, and it was a magical time -- actually one of the best team building moments I've had in 21 years. Thank you Jeff & the entire Metalog Tools USA staff! 5 stars well earned!
Steve Venable
Sept 27, 2022
I am a huge fan of Metalog Tools. Team building activities are a big part of what my organization does and their products are always a big hit. It cost a little more than some of the other products out there but I think of it as an important investment.
Bobby Williams
May 26, 2022
Loved the Metalog Tools that I ordered for Training. We had 20 people in the class and some of their favorite exercises were those using the Metalog Tools. The tools are a little bit pricey but everything is made extremely well. I anticipate being able to use them in training for a long time! I would give them an "Excellent" rating.
Bob Hileman
May 4, 2022
Amazing service and great quality. Laura and team were so helpful to get me the order in record time. Thank you
J B
Mar 24, 2022
High-quality, unique experiential training tools. Well worth the cost. Many options to fit training needs. Highly engaging with verifiable outcomes. Customer service is top notch. Responsive and easy to work with.
Ryan Bertram
Dec 9, 2021
Great product and team building activity. These people have some good ideas.
Michael Donaldson
Mar 4, 2022
Excelentes productos!
Mariana Caceres Ruiz
April 13, 2022
Since I meet METALOG TOOLS everything changed. In terms of interaction, this kind of tools allow the expansion of dynamics, also facilitates the adoption of concepts and the evaluation of what is done in the workshops. The tools have a high, medium and low level of complexity, they are tailored to the participants and have a facilitation guide, this allows their proper use. In general terms, I recommend Metalog Tools as an ally in your training and education processes.
Ivania Artunduaga Rubiano
Dec 17, 2021
Fantastic customer service! We had several questions about the items before we ordered, and some of the items were coming from Germany. We got all of our questions answered, and they handled all of the details with shipping from Germany. Everything arrived on time in perfect order.
Brandy Damron
Dec 17, 2021
We love using Metalog tools and trainings within our organization. The fun, hands-on approach has helped solidified learning and application!
Amy Oliver
Dec 13, 2021
These tools have transformed our training programs. Our participants are fully engaged and able to learn and retain the material naturally. For our facilitators, the ways we can use these tools are seemingly endless.
Bob Jacobson
July 11, 2021
Metalog Tools achieve something that few other forms of training can: the ability to quickly tap into my customers’ visual and tactile senses, and utilize them for the learning process. I am so happy every time to see how, when I tailor the activity precisely to the needs of my customers, I can achieve deep and long-lasting learning, confident in the knowledge that my work is not just useful, but also great fun.
Mark Wagner
Jan 10, 2021
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