The Collapsed Space Game
The collapsed space game improves a team’s ability to adapt to changing situations while incorporating input from each individual. This game is simple to play and only requires something to mark the boundary of the team’s workspace.
The key is to limit the team’s space in a way that’s easy to change and can fit the entire team. A rope is usually the best choice, but your team can play the game with other physical boundary markers.
In this exercise, the team must work together to adapt and find new ways to keep everyone within limits. Strategy, cooperation, adaptation and creative thinking are necessary tools to achieve success.
To play, place the team inside the boundary made with the rope or other markers. The team stays inside the boundary at all times. Over time, reduce the size of the team’s space by shrinking the boundary.
Slowly shrink the space over a time period of 10 minutes. The team must work together and think creatively to figure out how to keep everyone within the ever-shrinking limits.
One benefit of this type of problem-solving exercise in team building is the ability to present people with challenges they wouldn’t normally encounter. This allows you to test the team in new ways, forcing team members to think in unconventional ways.
Moment of Reflection
- How did your group make decisions?
- What surprised you during this exercise? What didn’t surprise you? Why?
- What challenges did you encounter?How well did your group manage these?
- What forms of support were offered during the exercise?
- How can we support one another in day to day activities?
The topics of this publication: interactions, strategy, collaboration, teamwork, adaptability skills, cooperation, energize, integration, adaptation, creativity
