The Game Suddenly to Think Fast
The Suddenly Game is an activity to get team members thinking quickly when new developments or problems suddenly arise in a project. It is simple to implement and very effective, and does not require the use of additional materials.
Ask everyone to gather in a circle. Start the game by narrating the first three lines of any story. After the three sentences, you have to say “suddenly,” and the person sitting next to you must continue.
He/she will make up another three sentences of the story on the spot and pass it on to the next person. Don’t let your group get too bogged down in the details when adding new phrases.
Phrases that are made up as the game progresses should make sense in the overall story they tell. Person after person, sentence after sentence, the story continues to build until everyone has contributed at least once to the story or the group naturally closes the story.
In addition to exercising quick and spontaneous thinking, this exercise forces all people to use their imagination and be creative. There may be some quirky and wonderful versions of stories coming out.
Moment of Reflection
- As people added phrases to the story, what did you observe in others and in yourself? What were you thinking about while you were waiting for your turn to add sentences?
- How did it feel to be in the place of continuing a story that was being created at that very moment? Did you feel like you needed more time to think before making your contribution? Did you feel pressured in any way, why?
- Do unforeseen events usually occur at work that force us to think quickly and give a response? Are they difficult situations? What impact do they generate on us at that moment?
- What does it take to foster a safe and supportive space where creating unexpectedly comes naturally without having to find the best answer or the right answer?
The topics of this publication: integration, interactions, collaboration, active listening, teamwork, cooperation, creativity, imagination, motivation, improvise, trust
