The Rope House Challenge

Rope House is a group activity that challenges people’s preconceived notions about what they can or cannot achieve.

In advance, print one or more ‘house’ shape diagrams to share among your group, enough for each person or several to share. Distribute a length of rope, one for each person or small group.

Instruct each person/group to manipulate the entire length of the string to copy the shape of the house. The shape is two-dimensional, and must be laid upon a flat surface (table, floor, etc.)

Explain that there are multiple challenges involved, and with each success, you will review the results and indicate which level of success the individual or group has achieved. Try not to describe the parameters of each level’s success, rather, introduce them one by one as the group discovers a solution.

The three levels of challenge are:

• Level 1: to create the identical ‘house’ shape (with no limitations.)
• Level 2: as above, but without the rope crossing over itself, or doubling up (ie the rope runs back on itself.)
• Level 3: as above, but with the two ends of the rope beginning and ending in the same position.

Encourage your group to seek a solution for each level. With most groups seeking a solution to Level 3, conclude the activity.

Following a reasonable length of time seeking a solution to Level 3, I would suggest concluding the exercise and gathering your group to quickly process their experience. Level 3 cannot be achieved (at least, I have never seen a solution)

Yet, the exercise is not a trick – it is a powerful metaphor for what is possible.

Moment of Reflection

• Did you ever consider that the puzzle could not be solved? Why?
• Why did you keep persevering with the Level 3 Rope House challenge? Do you think a solution to Level 3 is possible?
• How is belief connected to success?
• Even if a level 3 solution is (mathematically) impossible, what does this exercise teach us about leadership, self-belief and success?
• Describe one ‘Rope House’ problem in your life or work that you wished had a solution.

The topics of this publication: honesty, trust, leadership, reflection, self