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BROWSE THEMES
In a group where most of the participants are wearing blindfolds, the 'blind' must find a way to move a small ball balanced on a metal ring from one wooden pedestal to another using only strings attached to the ring. The 'sighted' few in the group can direct the blind how to move their strings as a group, but they are not allowed to touch the movers, the strings or the ring, and can only use verbal instructions to lead them. It looks easy, but if the ball falls off the ring, the group must start all over -- just like real life!
How you set up the two pedestals depends on your goals and your group's capabilities. You can set them on smooth or bumpy terrain, at the same level, or at different heights (such as the floor and a desk). You can even put an obstacle such as a chair or box between the two pedestals. For a real high-stakes challenge, you can try this activity outside with a raw egg instead of a ball.
This activity is ideal for addressing manager / employee communication, leadership style, information shortages and project visualization.
When leading this activity with managers and staff at the same time, have them switch their real-life roles. Blindfold the managers, and have the employees lead them. This allows participants to step into each others' roles and see things from a fresh perspective.
Each time the ball falls, you can blindfold one of the sighted participants to teach the team about the consequences of poor communication.
Adjust the difficulty of the exercise by placing the pedestals on uneven terrain, putting one pedestal on a desk, or placing an obstacle such as a chair between the two pedestals.
Play outside with a raw egg!
SHARE THIS TOOL
Communication
Use it for demonstrating sender / receiver challenges, relying on the information of others and communicating clearly
Collaboration
Use it for coordinating actions, cooperating and sharing responsibility
Team Development
Use it for giving and receiving direction, working with secondhand information, deciding in uncertain situations, and assuming responsibility
Leadership
Use it for dealing with risk, managing change or giving and receiving direction and feedback
Systems Thinking
Use it for experiencing interdependencies, adapting to change and establishing balance
Project Management
Use it for experiencing individuals' need to contribute to group projects, and seeing a challenge through to completion
Performance Improvement
Use it for focusing on goals, or learning and adapting to make progress
| Participants (min / optimal / max) | Time for Activity |
|---|---|
| 4 / 9 / 12 | 15-45 mins |
| Materials | Space Needed |
| 1 stainless steel ring, 2 beechwood pedestals, 1 plush ball (filled with pellets),1 wooden egg, 1 set of instructions | 40 x 40 ft |
| Dimensions (in nylon case) | Weight |
| 12 x 5.5 x 8 in (30.5 x 14 x 20.3 cm) | 4 lb (1.8 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
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
