The Inside and Outside Being Activity
Inside and Outside Being is a creative exercise to discuss behavioural norms, set goals, and it is ideal for value discussions.
Lay a large sheet of paper on the floor/ground. You need something the size of approx 2 metres x 800mm. Gather your group around the outside edges of the paper.
Draw the outline of a large fictitious person on the paper showing their head, upper torso, arms and legs. Make it big and dispense with any of the finer details, we just need something that reminds your group of a human being.
Instruct each person to grab a marker and write on the inside of the outline (body) behaviours or qualities that are safe and respectful of self, others and the group, eg trust one another, cooperate, be on time, etc. Invite several volunteers to share what they wrote and why in the context of the task.
When ready, instruct each person to write on the outside of the outline behaviours or qualities that would damage or limit the group’s ability to achieve those attributes listed inside the body. Invite volunteers to share what they wrote and why with the rest of the group.
If desired, seek consensus or some form of agreement from your group about the commitments written on the inside of the being. Seek a commitment from your group that they will work towards these attributes and behaviours to help the group be successful.
Moment of Reflection
- What do you think are the most powerful or significant attributes that were listed? Why?
- Did you observe any themes to the characteristics that were added inside or outside our being?
- How can we use the inside attributes to diminish the impact of the outside attributes?
- When one or more of the outside issues are present, what shall we do?
- How might this conversation make a difference to our group’s performance?
- If our group embodies these positive attributes, what would it look like, sound like and feel like?
- What could be the result if we do not focus on the positive attributes?
The topics of this publication: integration, teamwork, reflection, collaboration, creativity, consensus, foster relationships
