Section 8 EO C303.01 – LEAD A TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-803/PG-001, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.
Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.
Photocopy one team-building activity per group from the activities located at Annex N for the activity in TP 7.
Photocopy handouts of two team-building activities for each cadet – one activity from Annex O and one from Annex P. Cadets are to retain these for future use.
Photocopy two Team-Building Planning Guides located at Annex Q for each cadet.
Photocopy the Self-Assessment Form located at Annex R for each cadet.
Prepare the activity for TP 3 by:
gathering two colours of sticky notes and a marker;
writing each consonant of the alphabet (minus Q, X and Z) on one colour of sticky notes (one letter per note);
writing each vowel on the second colour of sticky notes (one letter per note); and
ensuring there are enough letters for every cadet (if there are more cadets than letters, create duplicates of common letters [eg, A, E, N, R, S, T, etc]).
Ensure one or two assistant instructor(s) are available for the activity in TP 7 (depending on the number of cadets).
N/A.
An in-class activity was chosen for TPs 1, 3 and 5 as it is an interactive way to provoke thought and stimulate interest among cadets.
A group discussion was chosen for TPs 2, 4 and 6 as it allows the cadets to interact with their peers and share their knowledge, experiences, opinions and feelings about the components of team-building activities.
A practical activity was chosen for TP 7 as it is an interactive way to allow the cadets to experience team-building activities in a safe and controlled environment.
N/A.
By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have led team-building activities.
It is important for cadets to know how to lead team-building activities to ensure that they are fun, challenging and achievable for every cadet. Each cadet will be given the opportunity to lead two team-building activities. Team-building activities are a great way to relieve boredom, lift team spirit, increase morale, re-energize cadets and accomplish goals. Therefore, every cadet in a leadership role should be able to lead activities focusing on these things. Once an activity that meets the needs of the group has been selected, it is the role of the leader to ensure the activity is completed in a manner that allows the group to learn. A meaningful and enjoyable team-building experience will occur for every cadet when the right activity is conducted in an appropriate fashion.
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There are three components to leading a team-building activity. The individual leading a team-building activity should: •
introduce the activity; •
conduct the activity; and •
debrief the cadets on the activity. To ensure the cadets understand how to lead a team-building activity, they will participate in each component separately as the instructor leads them through a sample team-building activity. Each component will then be discussed as it is completed to ensure understanding. TPs 1 to 6 are to be conducted in the following manner: •
In TP 1 the cadets will participate as the instructor introduces a sample team-building activity. •
In TP 2 the cadets will participate in a group discussion that allows them to analyze the elements of an introduction as it was completed in TP 1. •
In TP 3 the cadets will participate as the instructor conducts a sample team-building activity. •
In TP 4 the cadets will participate in a group discussion that allows them to discuss the responsibilities of the leader while conducting a team-building activity as it was completed in TP 3. •
In TP 5 the cadets will participate as the instructor debriefs the cadets on the sample team-building activity conducted in TP 3. •
In TP 6 the cadets will participate in a group discussion that allows them to discuss the elements of a debriefing as it was completed in TP 5. |
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Teaching point 1
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Demonstrate and Have the Cadets Participate in an Introduction to a
Team-Building Activity
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Time: 5 min
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Method: In-Class Activity
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The objective of this activity is for the cadets to participate in an introduction to a team-building activity as it is led by the instructor.
N/A.
N/A.
1.Get the attention of the cadets. Inform the cadets that they will be participating in an activity called “Alphabet Soup” (Get the Team’s Attention).
2.Explain that the goal of the team-building activity is to energize the cadets and get them moving (Explain the Goal of the Activity).
3.Explain the activity and allow time for the cadets to ask questions for clarification (Explain the Activity and Assign Tasks as Necessary), to include:
every cadet gets a letter and sticks it to the front of their shirt;
the cadets get a few minutes to form appropriate words using at least four letters; and
once the cadets get used to forming small words, create longer words or small sentences.
4.Set a time limit of 10 minutes for the activity (Set Time Limits).
5.Motivate the cadets to participate in the activity (Motivate the Team).
N/A.
The cadets’ participation in the introduction to “Alphabet Soup” will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 2
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Have the Cadets Analyze the Elements of an Introduction
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Time: 10
min
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Method: Group Discussion
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The point of the group discussion is to draw the following information from the group using the tips for answering/facilitating discussion and the suggested questions provided. |
Getting the Team’s Attention
In order to introduce a new activity, the leader must first get the attention of the team. The leader should get the team’s undivided attention before continuing to introduce the activity. If one cadet is not paying attention they could miss an important point that could affect their participation in the activity or the activity’s outcome.
Explaining the Goal of the Activity
The goal of the activity should be explained to the team in general terms of what will be learned or accomplished. The context of the activity should be explained so the cadets know why their participation is essential and why the activity is a part of the day’s agenda. It is important not to give too much detail at this point, as the leader should draw some points on the purpose of the activity from the cadets after the activity’s completion.
Explaining the Activity
The activity must be explained to the team prior to participating in the activity. The rules of the activity must be clearly outlined and understood by all cadets prior to commencement. The leader should give step-by-step instructions to ensure the activity is clearly understood.
Assigning Tasks as Necessary
If any specific tasks need to be performed throughout the activity, the leader should assign cadets to these tasks during the introduction of the activity.
Setting Time Limits
The leader is to set a time limit for the cadets to participate in the activity. The leader must factor in time for debriefing the cadets after completion of the activity. The team must be told how long they have to participate in or complete the assigned activity.
Relaying Safety Concerns as Necessary
If there are any safety concerns, the leader must pass these on to the team prior to the start of the activity.
Motivating the Team
Prior to the start of the activity, the leader must motivate the team. The leader should be enthusiastic and share this enthusiasm with the cadets. The goal of the activity is important and there is a reason the activity is being performed. The cadets should be informed of this reason and be motivated toward achieving the goal.
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TIPS FOR ANSWERING/FACILITATING DISCUSSION •
Establish ground rules for discussion, eg, everyone should listen respectfully; don’t interrupt; only one person speaks at a time; no one’s ideas should be made fun of; you can disagree with ideas but not with the person; try to understand others as much as you hope they understand you; etc. •
Sit the group in a circle, making sure all cadets can be seen by everyone else. •
Ask questions that will provoke thought; in other words avoid questions with yes or no answers. •
Manage time by ensuring the cadets stay on topic. •
Listen and respond in a way that indicates you have heard and understood the cadet. This can be done by paraphrasing their ideas. •
Give the cadets time to respond to your questions. •
Ensure every cadet has an opportunity to participate. One option is to go around the group and have each cadet answer the question with a short answer. Cadets must also have the option to pass if they wish. •
Additional questions should be prepared ahead of time. |
What was the first thing that was done in the introduction to “Alphabet Soup”? Are there different ways to start a team-building activity? What is the first thing you should do?
Should the goal of the activity be explained prior to commencing the activity? Why or why not? Will the activity be as successful if the goal is not explained?
Why is it important to inform the cadets how much time they have to complete the activity? When would you tell them how much time they have?
During the introduction to “Alphabet Soup” were you motivated to begin the activity? What effect did this have on you? Did it make you more interested in completing the activity?
What other considerations should be passed on during an introduction? Should safety concerns be passed on to the team or should they be left to figure them out as they proceed through the activity?
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Other questions and answers will develop throughout the group discussion. The group discussion should not be limited to only those suggested. |
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Reinforce those answers given and comments made during the group discussion, ensuring the teaching point has been covered. |
The cadets’ participation in the group discussion will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 3
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Demonstrate and Have the Cadets Participate in the Selected Team-Building
Activity
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Time: 10 min
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Method: In-Class Activity
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The objective of this activity, “Alphabet Soup”, is for the cadets to participate in a team-building activity led by the instructor.
A large open space,
Large sticky notes (two different colours), and
Marker.
N/A.
1.Distribute a letter to each cadet.
2.Have the cadets stick the letter to the front of their shirts.
3.Give the cadets approximately three minutes to form small words, using at least four letters.
4.Check the words the cadets have formed.
5.Give the cadets approximately five minutes to form longer words or small sentences.
N/A.
The cadets’ participation in “Alphabet Soup” will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 4
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Discuss the Responsibilities of the Leader While Conducting a Team-Building
Activity
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Time: 10 min
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Method: Group Discussion
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The point of the group discussion is to draw the following information from the group using the tips for answering/facilitating discussion and the suggested questions provided. |
Start the Activity
The leader must inform the cadets when to start the activity.
Supervise the Team
Throughout the duration of the activity, the leader must supervise to ensure the following:
there are no unsafe practices being followed;
the cadets remain focused on the activity; and
the rules are being followed.
Ensure the Goal is Achieved
It is important that the goal of the activity is achieved. If the goal is not achieved, the team-building activity was not successful as a team-building activity, it just became a game. The goal of the activity can sometimes be met without completing the activity. If the goal is not being achieved, the leader may need to:
refocus the cadets by clarifying the goal of the activity; or
redirect the activity by modifying the activity to better suit the group.
Stop the Activity if Required
There are a number of reasons why a leader may be required to stop an activity. The most important reason to stop an activity prior to completion is safety. If an activity has become a safety issue, the leader must stop the activity immediately.
An activity may also be stopped if the goal is not being achieved. If the activity is moving away from the goal, the leader must either stop and refocus the cadets, redirect the activity or move on to another point.
An activity may also be stopped if the goal has been achieved prior to the time allotted for its completion. Stopping an activity as it reaches its peak will allow the leader to draw out more specific key points and concepts. Not stopping an activity that has reached its peak will cause the following:
the energy of the team to drop;
interest in the goal to be lost; and
understanding of the goal to be lost.
End the Activity Within the Time Limit
A leader will need to end an activity once the time limit has been met. If the time limit has been met and the activity is not complete, it may be important to attempt the activity at another time. If the purpose of the activity is for the cadets to learn, then it is hard to end an activity until the learning has occurred. If strict time lines are being enforced, the activity can be stopped but it is very important that the leader explain this during the debriefing and perhaps revisit the activity at a later time.
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TIPS FOR ANSWERING/FACILITATING DISCUSSION •
Establish ground rules for discussion, eg, everyone should listen respectfully; don’t interrupt; only one person speaks at a time; no one’s ideas should be made fun of; you can disagree with ideas but not with the person; try to understand others as much as you hope they understand you; etc. •
Sit the group in a circle, making sure all cadets can be seen by everyone else. •
Ask questions that will provoke thought; in other words avoid questions with yes or no answers. •
Manage time by ensuring the cadets stay on topic. •
Listen and respond in a way that indicates you have heard and understood the cadet. This can be done by paraphrasing their ideas. •
Give the cadets time to respond to your questions. •
Ensure every cadet has an opportunity to participate. One option is to go around the group and have each cadet answer the question with a short answer. Cadets must also have the option to pass if they wish. •
Additional questions should be prepared ahead of time. |
As the leader of a team-building activity, what do you think some of your responsibilities will be?
Throughout the duration of the activity, what do you think is the one thing that every leader must do to ensure safety and progression of the activity?
Under what circumstances would an activity have to be stopped? If an activity is stopped prior to its completion, can it be revisited?
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Other questions and answers will develop throughout the group discussion. The group discussion should not be limited to only those suggested. |
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Reinforce those answers given and comments made during the group discussion, ensuring the teaching point has been covered. |
The cadets’ participation in the group discussion will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 5
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Demonstrate and Have the Cadets Participate In the Debriefing Component of the
Selected Team-Building Activity
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Time: 5 min
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Method: In-Class Activity
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The objective of this activity is for the cadets to participate in the debriefing of a team-building activity as it is led by the instructor.
N/A.
N/A.
1.Have the cadets gather and refocus their attention after the completion of the activity.
2.Review that the goal of “Alphabet Soup” was to energize the cadets and get them moving.
3.Provide feedback on the activity such as:
how the cadets felt about the activity;
what the cadets felt they learned from the activity;
if the goal was met;
if the activity was completed;
how the activity could have been conducted differently;
how the cadets interacted during the activity; and
what behaviours helped and/or hindered the activity.
4.Re-motivate the team by:
discussing the meaning of the activity;
discussing how the activity and its outcomes relate to the team’s everyday interactions; and
discussing how the learning can affect the team on a daily basis.
N/A.
The cadets’ participation in a debriefing on “Alphabet Soup” will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
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Teaching point 6
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Discuss the Elements of a Debriefing
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Time: 10 min
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Method: Group Discussion
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The point of the group discussion is to draw the following information from the group using the tips for answering/facilitating discussion and the suggested questions provided. |
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It is important during the debriefing to allow the cadets to construct their own learning and decide the importance of the activity that was conducted. This may not be the same for every group. |
Reviewing the Goal
After the completion of a team-building activity it is important to review what the goal of that activity was with the cadets. Cadets always want to know why they had to participate in an activity or learn about a specific topic so reinforce why the learning was important.
Providing Feedback
The leader should first ask for feedback from the group on the activity. This can be done through some preset questions specifically about the activity as well as some general questions about team-building activities. It is important to find out how the cadets felt about the activity (eg, did they feel it was useful, did they learn anything from participating in the activity, etc). The leader will gain valuable insight from the cadets on the activity itself (eg, if they would use it again, how it could be conducted differently, what elements of the activity they would not change if they did the activity again, etc). The most important information to elicit from the cadets is if they felt the activity was worthwhile in that they learned something valuable by participating.
The leader must also give feedback to the cadets. Whether the goal was met is an important point to focus on during this stage. Why was the goal met or why not? Was the activity completed and did this have an effect on the goal being met?
The leader should also give and get feedback on how the group interacted throughout the duration of the activity. The leader should tell the cadets how they viewed the groups’ interactions and ask how the cadets felt they interacted with each other. The leader could ask questions such as:
Were there leaders that emerged within the group?
Were there any individuals who did not interact well with others during the activity?
Was there an individual who was not motivated to participate in the activity? How did this affect the morale of the remainder of the group?
Re-Motivating the Team
The final step in debriefing a group after a team-building activity has been completed is to re-motivate the cadets. The cadets need to be reminded of the importance of team-building activities and be motivated to continue participating in them to achieve new dynamics within a team environment.
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TIPS FOR ANSWERING/FACILITATING DISCUSSION •
Establish ground rules for discussion, eg, everyone should listen respectfully; don’t interrupt; only one person speaks at a time; no one’s ideas should be made fun of; you can disagree with ideas but not with the person; try to understand others as much as you hope they understand you; etc. •
Sit the group in a circle, making sure all cadets can be seen by everyone else. •
Ask questions that will provoke thought; in other words avoid questions with yes or no answers. •
Manage time by ensuring the cadets stay on topic. •
Listen and respond in a way that indicates you have heard and understood the cadet. This can be done by paraphrasing their ideas. •
Give the cadets time to respond to your questions. •
Ensure every cadet has an opportunity to participate. One option is to go around the group and have each cadet answer the question with a short answer. Cadets must also have the option to pass if they wish. •
Additional questions should be prepared ahead of time. |
What should a leader do after the completion of a team-building activity? What should be discussed with the group?
What is the purpose of reviewing the goal of the activity after completion of the activity?
What feedback should be given from the group to the leader? How can this information be obtained? What feedback should the leader give to the group?
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Other questions and answers will develop throughout the group discussion. The group discussion should not be limited to only those suggested. |
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Reinforce those answers given and comments made during the group discussion, ensuring the teaching point has been covered. |
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Teaching point 7
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Have Small Groups of Cadets Share Responsibilities of Leading a Team-Building
Activity
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Time: 30 min
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Method: Practical Activity
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The objective of this activity is for small groups of cadets to share responsibilities of leading a team-building activity.
A flat, open space free from obstacles,
Team-building activity located at Annex N (one per group),
Resources IAW the chosen team-building activities located at Annex N, and
Team-Building Planning Guide located at Annex Q (one per group).
N/A.
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With the help of assistant instructors, observe the partnered groups and offer feedback for Steps 4 to 6. |
1.Divide the cadets into an even number of groups (eg, four groups for 24 cadets or less, six groups for 30 cadets).
2.Distribute a team-building activity and a Team-Building Planning Guide to each group.
3.Allow each group approximately 10 minutes to prepare their activity. Ensure that each cadet has a role to play in conducting their activity.
4.Have each group partner with another group for the presentation of their activity (eg, Group 1 will conduct their activity with Group 3 and vice versa).
5.Within the partnered groups, have one group conduct their activity with their partnered group. Allow approximately 15 minutes to conduct the activity. Observe and offer feedback on completion.
6.Within the partnered groups, have the second group conduct their activity with their partnered group. Allow approximately 15 minutes to conduct the activity. Observe and offer feedback on completion.
IAW the chosen team-building activities located at Annex N.
The cadets’ participation in conducting team-building activities as a member of a small group will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
The cadets’ participation in the activities will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.
N/A.
N/A.
It is important for you to know how to properly lead team-building activities to ensure that they are fun, challenging and achievable for every cadet. Each of you will be given the opportunity to lead two team-building activities. Team-building activities are a great way to relieve boredom, lift team spirit, increase morale, re-energize cadets and accomplish goals. Once an activity that meets the needs of the group has been selected, it is the role of the leader to ensure the activity is completed in a manner that allows the cadets to learn or to elicit learning from the group. A meaningful and enjoyable team-building experience will occur for every cadet when the right activity is conducted in an appropriate fashion.
A self-assessment is to be completed when the cadets lead their team-building activity. The self assessment form located at Annex R.
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C0-028 |
(ISBN 0-07-046513-4) Newstrom, J., & Scannell, E. (1998). The Big Book of Team Building Games. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. |
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C0-238 |
(ISBN 0-7879-4835-7) Sugar, S., & Takacs, G. (2000). Games That Teach Teams: 21 Activities to Super-Charge Your Group! San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer. |
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C0-240 |
(ISBN 0-934387-05-2) Collard, M. (2005). No Props: Great Games With No Equipment. Beverly, MA: Project Adventure, Inc. |
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C0-268 |
(ISBN 1-57542-265-4) MacGregor, M. G. (2008). Teambuilding With Teens. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing Inc. |
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