Build a Bridge

Build a Bridge is one of my favorite team activities. From Interaction Associates, it gives teams a challenge, then has them assess their performance based on Results, Process, and Relationships. And it takes less than a half hour from start to finish. 

Process:

• 8 min to DESIGN: choose a leader, plan your solution

• 10 min to BUILD

• 10 min to DEBRIEF using the assessment and open discussion

Requirements:

• Use flipchart paper, scissors, and tape to build a bridge

• Must have a 4’ span (length)

• Must be 2’ tall off the floor

• Must be freestanding

• Must be capable of supporting the weight of a rolling ball of paper and tape

Once participants have teamed up, built their bridges, and tested them by rolling a ball of paper and tape along their bridge spans, give them each a copy of this assessment to fill out:

Build a Bridge – How’d You Do?

Rate each statement with a 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, where:

0 is strongly disagree, 1 is somewhat disagree, 2 is neutral, 3 is somewhat agree, and 4 is strongly agree.

Your answers won’t be attributed back to you.

Represent their scores on a histogram on a flipchart. You’ll see some interesting distributions: most participants will rate themselves pretty high on results, less high on process, and mid to low on relationships. 

The real work comes in facilitating a discussion around why that is. 

PS: If you’re interested in how team-building activities like Build a Bridge can help you and your team perform better together, let’s talk. https://calendly.com/brian-lizardbrain/45-min-discovery-call