Balloon Spotting

Balloon spotting is one of my most favorite energizers that primes participants for generative listening, building on the thoughts and ideas of other people in especially large groups. All you need are a bunch of balloons of the same color and some sharpie markers. 

After you walk through the outcome, agenda, ground rules, and roles, say, “We're going to kick off today with an activity that will model a behavior absolutely critical to success. Everyone take a balloon, and blow it up to about this size. And if anyone around you needs a hand inflating their balloon or tying it off, help ‘em out.” 

“Now, grab a sharpie, and write your name somewhere on the balloon, not too big, about the same as you’d write it on an envelope you’re going to mail.” 

“OK, here we go! Throw the balloons in the air, and don’t let them pop or touch the ground!”

Enjoy the laughter for a minute or two, then shout, “OKAY, STOP! Let the balloons fall, and don’t touch them for a minute!”

“Now, please find your balloon with your name on it!”

What will happen is, participants will look around, silently at first, then ask, “Have you seen my balloon?” Then eventually, someone will pick up a random balloon and say, “I have Dave’s balloon!” At that point, people will find their balloons quickly.  

Debrief the activity: What worked? What didn't? What did you do at first, to find your balloon? How did that go? What ultimately led to you finding your balloon?

Then, connect the activity to the purpose of the workshop. “Over the course of the day, there are going to be a lot of ideas shared. At first, your natural instinct will be to try to look for space for your own idea. Instead, carry other people’s ideas. Listen, and build on what they have to say. The same way someone called your name to help you find your balloon, listen to what others have to say, and help them carry their ideas. Be willing to follow the flow of the group.”