Toothpicks. Rubber bands. Marbles. Drinking straws. Marshmallows. Cardboard tubes. Paper. Popsicle sticks. Rigatoni. Search your cupboards for supplies and get ready to have some fun with creative problem solving!
People will learn to think creatively only if they are exposed to a variety of possibilities and allowed to express their ideas in a setting free of judgment, ridicule, or comparison. Creative thinking is a skill that can be encouraged in every person on earth. And well it should be. Creative thinkers are able to freely express unique ideas, solve problems, and act in a resourceful manner, all of which are assets to society.
The good news? It's easy to build these skills. By providing students or employees the opportunity to tackle challenges that require only basic household and office supplies, they will learn to think beyond the usual boundaries in ten minutes or less.
When administering challenges to participants, it's important to step back and allow team members to work without interference. There is not a "right" answer when thinking creatively; only a creative answer. By trying different challenges over a period of time, teams will improve their ability to communicate effectively, think creatively, and cooperate to reach the goal.
Now - what about those toothpicks and rubber bands? Presenting a challenge that will boost creative problem solving skills doesn't take much in the way of supplies or time. Check out the list of challenges listed below or those from my book, Team Challenges: Activities to Build Cooperation, Communication, and Creativity, and you'll see what I mean.
Got ten minutes? Go get creative.
Use Your Noodle
Challenge your team to solve this task for some instant fun!
It will take creative thinking skills, teamwork, and communication to solve this challenge successfully!
Materials:
Foam swimming pool noodles, cut in half (you'll need one half noodle for each team member) Masking tape 20 blown up balloons 1 laundry basket
Set Up:
Use the masking tape to mark a line around the center of each half noodle as shown. Scatter the balloons on the floor in an area roughly 20' square. Place the basket in the center of the space. Give each team member a noodle. Read the team instructions out loud to the team.
Team Instructions:
Your task is to move as many balloons as possible into the laundry basket in three minutes. You may not touch the balloons with any part of your body. You must use only the noodles to move the balloons. You can hold onto only one end of the noodle; your hands must not cross the line taped on the noodle at any time. You will be notified when you have one minute remaining. You will receive two bonus points for every balloon in the basket at the end of the allotted time.
A fifteen-page e-book filled with challenges to build creative problem solving skills. By the author of Team Challenges: Group Activities to Build Cooperation, Communication and Creativity (Zephyr Press).
Traveling. It's what many of us dream of doing. And yet, when we find ourselves in the midst of actually doing it, the bulging suitcases, over-excited passengers and overflowing backseat can make us wonder why. Arguments over infractions like crossing the invisible back seat line erupt as kids complain. "He's looking at me!", "She touched me!", and the ever familiar, "When are we going to get there??" Travel Talk is my tribute to the families and friends who head out on vacations of any size, prepared to spend some quality time together as a family No Matter What.
Programs that Build Creative Problem Solving Skills
Define the tribe's journey, goals, interactions, future, and how teamwork will get them where they want to go in a story that epitomizes what the tribe is about. Weave every person, skill, and resource into the story.26 points
Reward tribal milestones or goals reached, whether collective or that of a tribal individual, with shared praise and/or a small physical gift of appreciation25 points
Summer camps do it. So does organized religion. Great corporations have their own lingo, their own culture. How you speak and the totems and daily rituals build connection.22 points
Listen, Learn & Introduce people to each other. Make connecting people a priority. One of the biggest fears in life is rejection. If you can help eliminate that fear you are helping somebody.20 points
Suggest types of activities/projects that would 'advance the tribe' thereby giving the tribe members a method to feel empowered and responsible. And, then hold them responsible.17 points
Educate your tribe to help them see things in ways they never imagined. Use simple concepts to help them understand complicated ones. Break things down and explain what is under the hood. They'll be forever grateful someone took the time to do this for them.15 points
When people share a common set of values it can galvanise a tribe to achieve its goals. The process of identifying the tribe's values can involve people, reinforce the role of the leader and also helps build the tribe's identity.14 points
I like Liz Strauss's rule at www.Success-blog.com, "The rules are simple %u2014 be nice. Do be nice. :),"
but even outlining what will and won't fly is good. For example, Seth didn't want people coming into Triiibes just to promote themselves. In this area, though, I believe less is more.12 points
When possible, work to maintain a fun and stimulating tribal environment. A happy tribe is a productive tribe. Intellectually stimulated tribe members are productive tribe members - problem solvers.12 points
Go Somewhere Different - e.g. Surprise the heck out of them!
As one of my mentors likes to say "zig when when they expect you to zag". Well said! Be Unique. How? Through the element of surprise! Surprise them with gratitude, surprise them with projects, surprise them with praise, surprise them with them with parties (Virtual or otherwise), surprise them with balloons, .....you decide but just surprise them.9 points
Your tribe already exists... it just hasn't been defined yet.
So create a manifesto. Give voice to the frustrations of your tribe members. If you strike the right tone - if they feel you can relate to them - this manifesto will be the viral tool that gets your tribe members to raise their hands and say "I am."9 points
Whether you're a tribe member or a tribe leader treat leaders and tribe members with respect. Tribes filled with respect and respectful people become tighter - more closely bonded.8 points
Leaders of successful tribes don't use sticks, they use carrots. Sticks don't motivate people, carrots do. Offer cool incentives to tribe members who work hard enough to qualify. Make sure the carrots taste good enough to motivate those tribe members sufficiently.8 points
Narrow the distance between intention and action. In doing so, tribal interaction becomes more fluid and productive. As this distance becomes narrower - the potential productivity of the tribe increases.8 points
Blog about your tribe. Create a Squidoo lens. Get a Facebook or Myspace group. Connect them. Get going a Ning network. Create a wiki for your tribe.8 points
Only buyers can be affiliates. Club members get unlimited access to facilities. Insiders get first dibs at buying stock. Join and enjoy 30 days extra - free.7 points
Great corporations have their own lingo, so do great sports teams and niche gurus everywhere. (separate from Invent rituals--they support each other butit's possible to have one without the other)6 points
Activities that become 'rites of passage' that tribe members experience together, whether it's cooking, hunting, dancing, tribes have always done this.6 points
Create a Tribal book which has the picture and profile for every member of the Tribe. It's like the yearly book for schools and Universities. Anyone who wants to join needs to fill it in. Anyone who leaves can still be left there with a sign "left the tribe" or something. Unless they want their whole profile removed or alternatively moved to the xTribal book.6 points
Asking tribe members and leaders tough (challenging) questions serves three purposes. 1) Helps solve challenging problems, 2) Starts deep, important discussions, and 3) Draws other tribal members into discussions when they might normally lurk. Each of these results in greater tribal cohesion.5 points
What many organizations misunderstand is that their standards and values are not defined by their aspirations but by what they are prepared to enforce.5 points
A place that members can go to be surrounded by specific examples of your realized vision. Incorporate ways for them to learn, celebrate, tinker, and add their ideas.5 points
Be conscientious to think of all tribe members in equal terms. Each tribe member offers unique value to the tribe. When each tribe member feels valued %u2013 a healthier, more productive and cohesive tribe will result.4 points
Remember to put the members of the tribe first. Don%u2019t neglect your tribe members by focusing too much on recruiting new members. Tribe members are smart %u2013 they know where they stand.4 points
Make a specific plan a year out for communicating. Take it personally and seriously. Your tribe has a reason to exist. Over-communicate it and in your communications aim to touch, arm, enlist and persist.4 points
Triiibes already has great ideas to help those outside the tribe. The Case Study e-book is an example. Yes, the membership can be exclusive, but benefits can go beyond the tribe.4 points
Use their name, appreciate them for what they're doing, and make the appreciation very SPECIFIC! "Seth, giving 50% of Squidoo's profits to charity is awesome and inspires me"3 points
Great tribal leaders are accessible to tribe members. Accessible leaders better understand the tribal environment and specific needs of the tribe. Furthermore, tribe members feel more appreciated when they%u2019re able to connect directly with their leaders.3 points
Create a tribal school or playground, a place where where the youngsters can meet, interact and learn how to be valuable tribe members in the future.3 points
It strengthens the tribe when you remove negative, disruptive influences - and provides more incentive for existing members to act in good faith.
(Examples: sacking people who don't fit the culture in a workplace, disabling accounts when people abuse rules on forums, etc.)3 points
Encourage tribe members to think in terms of the tribe %u2013 not just themselves. A collective mentality rises above pride of ownership and encourages tribe members to work together for the common good of the tribe and its objectives.2 points
"Triiibes.com has some GREAT conversations going on. Too bad you can't share in them. You'd love it!". Or "Seen this? It's my new iPhone!". Or "My son is a whiz at math - he's in ______ , y'know?"2 points
Giving is one of our most important rituals. When you receive a gift, learn to appreciate the act itself, not the product. Then give yourself. Don't compare the gift. Enjoy the process, enjoy the intensions. Great tribes give and receive respectfully.2 points
Not all resources and talents come from within a tribe. A spouse or business associate of a member may contribute something of value. Same for non-members in the community who donate product, services, or valuable input. Showing appreciation builds bridges outside the tribe, helps recruitment, and encourages tribe members to find similar supporters.2 points
Find out what they want. Give them your best advice for free and spread the word about it. In exchange they become your tribe member with their email address.2 points
Everyone wants to belong to something bigger than themselves. If you build a tribe that becomes popular, it becomes more popular. If the tribe is having fun and learning, others wanting the same will join. Cialdini calls this 'social proof'.2 points
I just joined a group over on Facebook called the Hurricane of Gratitude. They are using mostly videos to communicate within the group. It is awesome to witness how fast I connect with and feel connected with others with in the group. Raw, unedited, mistake filled videos that reveal AUTHENTIC human beings seeking connection with each other... I watched a video of Kuwait beach - just panning back and forth... and it was amazing - I felt like I was on that beach... I watched a video of a guy...2 points
No, I don't mean golf shirts with your company logo. At my creative services company (currently staffed completely by women so we might need to modify if we hire some men) we give each new full time hire a necklace -- a single sphere in the company's shade of blue with little diamond chips. They're about $75 at a local jeweler. When we go to networking events, conventions, lead seminars or whenever, we all wear them. People also wear them regularly because their pretty and of couse that remind...1 point
Tribes that have a worthy cause should always keep busy. Activity draws talents out. Activity binds people of like minds. Activity breeds creativity.1 point
Bring new ideas, trends, colours, concepts from other tribes. Talk about the new thing in wedding gowns to your business tribe; and the best ways manager thank their employees to you new brides tribe.
Stimulate ideas and show how they relate. Your tribe will follow you everywhere and back again.1 point
Example with hold a party for past clients on opening day of Cincinnati Reds Opening Day! We do it at a local pub, everything is on us during game, great interaction!1 point
Promote your tribe every day in every way by demonstrating genuine belief in the tribe and giving your time and energy to everyone you meet. Do this inside your tribe WITH PASSION and outside your tribe WITH GENEROSITY and three things will happen:
1 - You will demonstrate the values and principles of the tribe (recruit quality people).
2 - Your tribe will flourish (develop and learn from experience and exposure).
3 - You will grow as a person (increase your personal value and self-worth).
How...1 point
Interview other stakeholders and tribal members from different industries, passions and outlooks. It's amazing what you'll be able to apply to your own seemingly disparate tribe.1 point
Become the information portal for a tribe and empower them to brag about their thoughts. Get non tribe members to become jealous because they don%u2019t belong%u2026..yet1 point
Carmine's restaurant, for example, only gives reservations to groups of six or more. It means that going to the restaurant is a party, not just dinner.0 points
Everybody have a need to be respected, to have the respect and admiration of others in their tribes. People need to engage themselves to gain recognition, Be a Star...0 points
Teaming up with some other tribes. This does not necessarily mean in everything but having some common intersecting interests with other tribes..you offer something and they do..sharing is caring..for example :
Team up with Tribe W for IT/computer/web expertise
Team up with Tribe X for Marketing/Branding expertise
Team up with Tribe Y for Medical/Health expertise
Team up with Tribe Z (your competitor/enemy?) for a common CSR interest-Build Peace?0 points
It is crucial to maintain a high level of discipline and mutual respect within a tribe to stay on target. If done skillfully, acceptance and adherance to rules to that effect will create an environment in which most tribe members will feel "at home". It is vital for the leader to visibly enforce these rules at all times if he has to.0 points
Don't be afraid of abandoning the "status quo" - tribes that are static die. Facilitate opportunities for your tribe to grow both collectively and individually in ways that stretch their current capacities. Play BIG and outside the box of convention to meet the needs of your tribe - some people may call you crazy, but wild success rarely comes by staying inside the box and following what others have done.0 points
Recognize shared affinities that tribe members have. These may be shared values, beliefs, common interests or goals. Play to them through discussions, groups, events. Create experiences that people can learn from and share.0 points
Use global messaging to announce, inform and engage
Send global email messages as promised and with permission! Consistently send weekly digest to announce, inform and engage...NOT to promote, sell or manage. When done well, members rarely opt for the delete like spam action.0 points
Create Barriers To Entry or Completely Eliminate Them
Decide the type of people you want to have in your tribe and either make it easy or hard to join. Buy a book, enter a contest, intern. Or make anyone able to join. It's up to you and you have to manage the tribe differently in each situation.0 points
Use the tribes' size and contacts to generate perks
The tribe isn't there to provide everything for tribe members, but any sizable or influential enough tribe can negotiate deals with businesses or groups for discounts or similar exchanges. My husband is offered great deals on cell phones and service plans because he is works for a state university.0 points
A tribe wants to do something - meaning, that counts - and you need to make sure that they get there. No mission = no win and no win = no satisfaction. Everyone tries, leaders (& tribes) deliver results that matter.0 points
Act like sunscreen for your tribe. The leader keeps the harmful rays and heat off the tribe while the tribe does the important work. Keep Mr. No and Ms. Drain-the-energy from the tribe - take the heat and turn the negative ions into more energy to fuel the tribe.0 points
Sometimes we don't even make ourselves available for the opportunity to build a tribe at all. That to me is the first step...and it's an internal step (look within yourself).0 points
Kris Bordessa is the author of several books. She believes that hands-on fun is the best kind of education, that success comes from failure, and that... (more)
Kris Bordessa is the author of several books. She believes that hands-on fun is the best kind of education, that success comes from failure, and that there's more than one way to solve just about any problem.
It will take creative thinking skills, teamwork, and communication to solve this challenge successfully!
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