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Metalog's official U.S. online store, bringing Europe's top training tools to North America.
BROWSE THEMES
The trainer brings the team to a “work room,” where an upright frame and six dowels are set on a table. Two dowels are already inserted into the frame—but only one is correctly positioned. The team gets 10 seconds to observe the setup without touching it.
After the observation, the team moves to a “meeting room” to strategize. They decide the order in which they will return to the work room — one person at a time. Each person may make up to two movements per visit, and the team is allowed 100 movements total. Once everyone has taken a turn, they continue cycling through in the same order.
No talking is allowed between the two rooms, so communication must be planned in advance. The goal is to complete the puzzle in as few movements as possible, and before time runs out.
Focus on Setting and Achieving Goals
At the start, ask the team to set a goal to solve the puzzle by a specific number of movements.
Focus on Team Meetings
Ask the team to conduct 10 movements in silence, then come together for a team meeting or scrum.
Make it More Challenging
Try inserting both dowels into the wrong position at the beginning of the activity or remove one of the dowels and have the group solve the puzzle with just seven dowels.
SHARE THIS TOOL
Team Development
- Use it for self organization, skillful teamwork to achieve goals, acceptance of experimentation and mistakes
Communication
Use it for sharing precise information, active listening, and communicating complexity with precision
Leadership
Use it for dealing with complexity, decision making in uncertain situations, and motivating others giving and receiving direction
Project Management
Use for planning and execution, setting interim goals, allocating roles
Performance Improvement
Use it for focusing on goals or learning and adapting to make progress
Collaboration
Use it for coordinating actions, working toward shared goals and sharing responsibility
| Participants (min / optimal / max) | Time for Activity |
|---|---|
| 3 / 6 / 10 | 15-45 minutes (not including reflection) |
| Materials | Space Needed |
| 1 wooden frame, 8 wooden dowels, 1 black nylon carrying case, 1 set of instructions | 20 x 20 sq ft for a team meeting room and 8 x 8 sq ft for a work room for the puzzle. |
| Dimensions (in wooden case) | Weight |
| 16.5 x 22.8 x 1.9 in (42 x 58 x 5 cm) | 8.36 lb (2.9 kg) |
North America Delivery
We ship anywhere in North America. Ground shipping, express and overnight service available.
14-Day Return
We accept returns for a full refund for any unused products sent back within 14 days of receipt.
12-Month Warranty
All products come with a 12-month warranty, covering any material manufacturing defects.
Dedicated Support
We provide personalized email and phone support during standard business hours, Monday - Friday on Pacific time.
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What People Say About Metalog Tools
We have purchased few of Metalog tools to add fun and engagement to our corporate training courses. I can confidently say that the tools are of great quality, very impressive!
Most of the participants enjoyed the CultuRallye; it was a great incorporation with activities which focus on teamwork, cultural inclusivity and empathy (to name a few).
Special mention to Laura who has made the additional purchases extra convenient and easy - thank you and wish you all the success!
Dainsy Silva
Sep 17, 2024
We purchased two of their tools for a staff development retreat. They were easy to use and facilitate, as well as modify as needed for the size of the group. I really enjoyed the modifications we could make if we wanted to change things up and the staff not only enjoyed the process, but were able to pick out why we chose those specific tools and grow professionally together. It was super easy to order and even though I was on a time crunch the items were received in a timely manner. I was particularly impressed with the quality. We will be able to use these internally again, but also share with our partners. Laura was especially helpful in helping me choose which tools would be best for my needs. Thanks again!
Kristy Arey
Sep 11, 2024
The Metalog USA crew give very personalized service and are quick to respond to problems.The tools themselves are a delight to use. The Scenario Cards were evocative and elicited a lot of engagement from participants. We were able to ask participants to share their feelings about their feelings about their work, and what they were looking for from the workshop. Many different interpretations possible from the cards. The Floating Stick was not a major challenge for this team, but provided a chance to reflect on leadership and team work.
David Newman
May 15, 2024
This company is amazing! I use them all the time to help develop teams and organizations!
Steven Shook
May 13, 2024
I purchased the Emotion Cards and the product exceeded my expectations. The images are unique and provoke a variety of emotions. The material is very sturdy; I am sure they will last forever. I highly recommend them.
Silke Janz
March 31, 2024
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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North America Delivery
14-Day Returns
12-Month Warranty
