Communication Race

Communication Race is a serious game that emphasises the importance of communication and collaboration within a team. Participants must work together to navigate a marked course while overcoming coordination challenges. This game allows for the experience and analysis of group dynamics and improves interpersonal communication.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction

   10 min

   The facilitator introduces the game and its objectives. They explain that the focus will be on communication and collaboration to successfully complete the course. Participants are invited to reflect on their past team working experiences and briefly share an example where communication was crucial.

   Tip — Use concrete examples to illustrate the importance of communication in the success of a project.

2. 2

   Team Formation

   5 min

   The facilitator divides participants into teams of 4 to 6 people. Each team selects a leader who will be responsible for coordinating communication. The leader cannot physically interact with the course but can guide their team verbally.

   Tip — Ensure that teams are balanced in terms of skills and personalities to maximise learning.

3. 3

   Course Presentation

   10 min

   The facilitator reveals the course that teams will need to navigate. They explain the rules: each team must move an object (such as a ball) from point A to point B using provided tools (ropes, sticks, etc.), without ever touching the object directly.

   Tip — Clarify the rules and answer questions to avoid any confusion during the activity.

4. 4

   Communication Race

   20 min

   Teams begin the race. The leader of each team guides their members to navigate the course using only verbal instructions. Team members must listen carefully and execute the instructions to move the object without dropping it.

   Tip — Encourage teams to experiment with different communication strategies and adapt based on the results achieved.

5. 5

   Activity Reflection

   15 min

   Once the race is finished, the facilitator invites each team to share their experience. Participants discuss the challenges faced, effective strategies, and moments of successful communication. The facilitator highlights key observations and relates them to the principles of the SPACE framework.

   Tip — Take notes during the activity to provide constructive and specific feedback to each team.

6. 6

   Conclusion

   5 min

   The facilitator concludes by summarising the lessons learned about communication and collaboration. They encourage participants to apply these lessons in their daily work and to further explore the SPACE framework to enhance their team productivity.

   Tip — Offer additional resources to deepen understanding of the SPACE framework.

Variants

• Add additional obstacles to the course to increase difficulty.
• Allow teams to change leaders mid-course to observe the impact on group dynamics.
• Limit the communication time for each stage to simulate increased time pressure.