Team Squared

The group sits around a table with defined individual work areas and a shared space in the center. Colorful plastic pieces in different shapes are clustered in the center and each participant must use three of the shapes to make a square. They are not allowed to speak or reach into another person’s work area; only the center can be used to take pieces out, put them back or to push pieces toward another person.

Some participants are able to form a square very quickly, but what they don’t realize is that they are using parts that others need. While there are many different ways to put a square together, there is only one way for everyone to put a square together at the same time. This means some participants will have to break up their already completed squares and share their pieces with others. The message is clear: if the group is to succeed, all members must prioritize the group’s goal over their own. 

SHARE THIS TOOL

Team Development

• Use it for cooperating, communicating nonverbally, sharing resources and responsibility

Project Management

Use it for drawing on resources, seeing a challenge through to completion, experiencing the need for individuals to contribute

Systems Thinking

Use it for seeing the whole, sacrificing personal gain to achieve a group goal, looking for patterns

Performance Improvement

Use it for focusing on goals, learning and retrying

Collaboration

Use it for coordinating actions, cooperating and sharing responsibility

Icebreaker

Use it for breaking down silos right from the start