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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 40 minutes.
Aims:
• To provide participants with a challenge that tests participants’ abilities to work together to solve a problem.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To provide participants with a challenge that tests participants’ abilities to work together to solve a problem.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of any size.
Useful For:
Staff at all levels, especially those working together in teams (or who soon will be).
You'll Need:
• Plenty of clear space for the activity and a way of marking the start and finish line of the racetrack. And for each team:
• Two postal tubes (stoppers removed).
• Two golf balls.
• Six eggs.
• A flipchart pen.
Notes:
This training activity can get messy, so it is best run outside in an open space. You should also check if any participants have an allergy to eggs. If so, they can assist you in observing.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To energise a group.
• To test participants’ abilities to work together quickly to solve a simple problem.
• To introduce the concept of continuous improvement.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To energise a group.
• To test participants’ abilities to work together quickly to solve a simple problem.
• To introduce the concept of continuous improvement.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
All participants.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Notes:
This simple activity is one you can return to several times in your training to demonstrate the principles of continuous improvement. Provided you have more than one team, this activity adds an extra dimension to the remote delivery module, ‘Hands up, Line up!’ by encouraging participants to reflect on how a silo mentality might impact continuous improvement.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
The Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library is called ‘Hands up, Line up!’.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.
Aims:
• To understand the importance of listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To provoke discussion about prejudices and stereotypes.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To understand the importance of listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To provoke discussion about prejudices and stereotypes.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size. This module is also suitable for remote/virtual delivery – see separate note.
You'll Need:
• Pens and paper for every participant.
• The audio recording of the story, which can be streamed from Trainers’ Library if you prefer not to read it aloud yourself.
Notes:
If reading the story to participants, we suggest that you rehearse reading the story aloud a few times prior to delivery. This module has been endorsed by Show Racism the Red Card. For more information about the great work this charity is doing to educate against racism, visit www.theredcard.org.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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I have used this resource a number of times over the years. It was particularly well received when delivered to a group of our lawyers and decision makers. Demonstrating the importance of listening and not making assumptions to improve decision making.
It's one of my favourite exercises to deliver!
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Marie Mostaeddi
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I love this exercise and have used it a lot over the years working with all levels in a wide variety of organisations. It's amazing to see how quickly people go to the assumption stage and the discussions are so powerful in highlighting what we need to focus on in our every day - at work AND at home!
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Lottie Skuthe-Cook
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Witches of Glum is one of my most used resources across the whole of Trainers' Library. I use this in many different situations. Listening skills is always good to use this and get everyone up on their feet in a training session and moving about the room as they decide the answers.
It is great for challenging assumptions that people make and works well when using in Equality and Diversity workshops to really get into challenging assumptions in a non confrontational way.
An excellent exercise that is well written and works in many different situations.
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Ric Hayden
rated this item with 5 stars.
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A really versatile exercise that is quick, easy and fun. I have used it in communication courses, management programmes and Diversity sessions. It is a good alternative to the Goldilocks exercise. Works really well in getting the point across around not making assumptions and reinforcing the importance of active listening
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Mike Taylor
rated this item with 5 stars.
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One of my favourite Trainers' Library exercises that never fails to get people thinking, usually in Diversity training. The powerful exercise brings to life how easy it is to make stereotypes and then generates powerful discussion around how this happens in the workplace and the impact it has.
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Emma Wynne
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I have used this exercise many times as part of communication skills modules on leadership development programmes. Although the exercise illustrates the separate topics of the importance of not making assumptions and of active listening, delegates quickly see the link between these and that we all do the aural equivalent of "scan reading" and miss details because we assume.
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Paula Cook
rated this item with 5 stars.
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As well as using this exercise to illustrate assumptions and stereotypes, I use it in my 'Minute Taking with Confidence' course. I read the story and encourage delegates to take notes (perhaps after a session on speed writing). I then quiz them - and many STILL make assumptions even though they've taken notes (eg the King is old). I then get them to analyse what should be included in the Minutes using ABCD eg what's vitally important (the Absolutes), what are the Basics or the Background to the story, what adds Colour to your minutes to bring the story to life - and what can be left out (the Dumps - eg Christina, the wheelchair etc)
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Sally Jones
rated this item with 5 stars.
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What I particularly like about this exercise is that it can be adapted to use in a variety of different sessions. I have already used it as an exercise on assumptions in a module on equality and diversity and I will also be using it in my helpline skills training on effective listening.
The exercise is a fun way to get across an important message, and the recording that is included with the downloads allows the trainer to rest their voice for a short time, which is a bonus for both trainer and trainees in most cases!
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Previous Member
rated this item with 4 stars.
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I love this activity it really increases delegates self-awareness on their listening skills and how easily they can make assumptions.
Before I run this activity I get the delegates to score their current listening skills out of 10, and then once they complete the activity then re look at their score to check this is a fair assessment.
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Jennifer Stevens
rated this item with 4 stars.
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I was planning some team-building activities to incorporate into our Business Skills series. I’ve since trialled your Witches of Glum on a group of B1-C1 level participants (Italian professionals, from the same company). The response was great, stimulated lots of discussion about stereotyping and gave way for a fantastic reflection session. All in English - as our business English courses and workshops always are.
One of the interesting 'take-aways' was that the fear of not understanding every word (the B1s) was greatly reduced as they were told they were going to hear a story. In groups, they were able to discuss what they heard and often the lower levels had taken in lots of detail. The problem with stereotyping also arose - which led into discussion about issues with stereo-typing internal and external clients.
As a trainer, I really enjoyed behind able to pick something up and run with it. It was a great time-saver. I could also work on what the activity could offer much more.
I would probably give the activity a 4.5. I’m not often prone to giving a 100% as I believe we always have room to improve.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 4 stars.
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We tend to train somewhat cynical engineers who really take a lot of engaging in order to deliver any Soft Skills. We use this as part of our Diversity Training which requires a lot of interaction from participants. This activity is great to disarm all participates from a “we know it already” stance to actually join in and actively participating. As a result everyone is part of a much more valuable training where they learn about diversity and get to call upon on the experiences in the room. A great start to a session! Thanks.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I use this a lot and it is easy to adapt to sessions on appraisals, feedback, objectivity, diversity and especially good where staff/managers are expected to record summary notes from conversations with customers/staff
One option is to get people to do it in pairs as thing brings in the likelihood that one of the pair had the right answer but was talked out of it despite having 'evidence' written down. (influencing)
It is also quite useful, once they have heard the story, to read all 15 statements as a summary and to ask if it sounds like a fair reflection of the story - most agree it is - then by reviewing each statement, participants see that all but two sentences were accurate.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 5 stars.
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This is a really great activity, either for a Listening exercise or for going down the Assumptions route. Use it for both Health and Safety training and also on the PTLLS course I run. Excellent!!!
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Previous Member
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Terrific. Can be shortened or lengthened as you need. I’ve used it as recommended to explore assumptions in equality settings, but also really well as an icebreaker for an interview skills workshop. Once I’d revealed how badly people listened, we went on to discuss the way some people assume they know what the question is about and don’t listen carefully enough to understand what the interviewer wants. I really liked the audio file, the story was familiar but different enough to be interesting and it made a change than listening to the trainers voice.
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Nicky McCrudden
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Both these modules (Assumptions – The Witches of Glum and Goldilocks – a Listening Exercise) are excellent for demonstrating the need for ‘active’ listening skills and how easy it is to make assumptions and ‘hear’ what you think was said. These modules worked extremely well and prompted lots of interest from the participants and also some key learning points were easily identified. It then required some simple facilitation skills to identify ways to become better listeners and again to highlight some easy steps that everyone could take to improve their skills.
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Previous Member
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We use the witches of glum as a useful exercise in the induction programme. As our company is a financial retail business we deal with all types customers from all walks of life. We teach new starters that they should not make assumptions on a customer’s appearance. Just because they look scruffy doesn’t mean that they may be poor. By reading out the story it is clear that people make assumptions to what the answers should be rather than actually listening to the facts. I then have a discussion with the group asking them why they made the assumptions and it really makes them think about it.
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Previous Member
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Successful eyeopener about the danger of making assumptions. One participant remarked afterwards: "I have just realised what a dreadful listener I am", which was a great learning point for all. However, some of the statements are ambiguous and biased towards eliciting an incorrect "true" answer. For example: "The king was an old man who could no longer walk." Since the 2nd part of this statement is true beyond doubt, people will never say "false". I solved this by reducing the statements to only one fact. Some examples: "The king could no longer walk".
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Previous Member
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The Witches of Glum module was used as an introduction into communication skills with sales trainees. The delegates appreciated the story and questions and quickly learnt through the course about the assumptions they had made and as a result, were easily able to relate this to how they communicate with customers and colleagues. This was an effective module near the beginning of the course; the delegates had an increased awareness of natural assumptions and listening skills which effectively introduced further modules within the course.
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Previous Member
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This week I ran a seminar for members of the local branch of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Shropshire. The topic for the presentation was “Diversity for Dummies”. This was my first venture into this type of presentation of this topic as I have only recently begun to train in the topic with the Ford Motor Company. As an alternative to risking ‘Death by Powerpoint’ I decided to use “The witches of Glum” as a medium for getting across how easily we drop into making assumptions and the potential impact making those assumptions. I used the exercise exactly as provided and was delighted with the way that those present took to it and enjoyed the different way of making a valuable learning lesson. Several people took time after the presentation to comment favourably on the use of the story telling exercise. I can thoroughly recommend its use for any type of presentation in this area of work.
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Paul Brennan
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The Witches of Glum exercise has been used within our customer service course. It has allowed us to use a fun exercise to identify the pitfalls of assumptions and stereotypical situations. The delegates have found this to be amusing as it is a clear break away from the business theme of other exercises. The trainers notes are very well laid out and it is what all exercises should be, simple and yet effective.
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Previous Member
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I have recently used this exercise to introduce a session on cultural differences as the organisation was transferring its HR shared service to another country. The training itself was quite challenging as it was perceived to be a big change to how our managers currently operate however, I used the exercise to introduce the final part of the day. This made a considerable difference to the atmosphere and energy levels within the group. They began to understand the assumptions we make about other cultures and they became receptive to altering their communication style to ensure their interaction was effective.
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Clare Wilkes
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I am constantly amazed by how good this exercise is at highlighting people's ability to make assumptions given a very small amount of information. I've used this in a number of different sessions where it was important to highlight the amazing ability people have to fill in the gaps of the story with their ideas and remembered bits of old fairy tales. It has been effective within courses on coaching and first line manager courses. I have read the questions out from the materials and this worked just as well as writing them all out on the flip chart. This activity is so popular that staff often ask to do it again at other events.
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Helen Walker
rated this item with 5 stars.
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We are running a series of sessions on HR Skills for Managers , the first of which deals with Managing Diversity Are You a Fair Manager? Having identified what diversity is the trainer asks the delegates to sit back, listen to a story and expect to answer some questions about the subject afterwards. The story is, of course, Assumptions The Witches of Glum. This is a great little exercise that really demonstrates to the delegates how readily assumptions are made and how guilty of it they are. At least 50% of the delegates get less that 50% of the statements right each time we run the session perfectly illustrating the learning point. Give it a go, youll love the results!
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Tracy Croft
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about many of the key things that need to be in place and considered in order to ensure change is managed successfully.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about many of the key things that need to be in place and considered in order to ensure change is managed successfully.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of any size.
You'll Need:
• A printed copy of the large (A3) Trainer version of the Word Search grid provided, affixed to a flipchart.
Notes:
The time required for this exercise depends on how much time you want to allow for discussion about the significance of the key phrases found. A small prize for the winning team would be nice, though not essential.
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I love the Trainers' Library wordsearches! I usually use them at the end of a training session to bring the session to a close. I give individuals a few minutes to find as many words as they can and then have them come up to the flipchart to mark a word on the large copy and tell the group a bit about the item they've marked, in this case why that thing is linked to/important for Change Management.
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Lisa Lester
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on challenges they’ve faced and identify what they’ve learnt from them.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on challenges they’ve faced and identify what they’ve learnt from them.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
Useful For:
Everyone.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Notes:
This activity was written as a way to reflect on and move forward from the pandemic of 2020. However, it can be easily adapted and used not just to review a year, but, for example, a challenging experience or significant change that participants have been through. This can be a useful way to launch training around resilience, change or a planning session.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore how accurate participants can be when working under pressure.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore how accurate participants can be when working under pressure.
Group Size:
Can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Anyone.
You'll Need:
• One set of the Name, Colour and Shape Cards per team, which you will need to cut out beforehand.
Notes:
This is a more demanding version of the Colour Confusion activity that can be used as a follow-on. This game is best played in teams with 2-3 participants in each. Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.
Aims:
• To welcome the participants.
• To introduce the facilitator(s) and participants to each other.
• To introduce the facilities.
• To agree the course objectives and timetable.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 25 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To welcome the participants.
• To introduce the facilitator(s) and participants to each other.
• To introduce the facilities.
• To agree the course objectives and timetable.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
Nothing, other than the materials provided.
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I used 'course introduction' with a group on a departmental awayday. This really focused participants on the rationale for the day and allowed the groundrules to be discussed in a way that wouldn't have happened otherwise. The 'expectations of each other' allowed discussion of acceptable and desirable behaviour to be clearly stated in a department where several staff members are overbearing and dominatiing in such meetings usually. The main content of the day was more fruitful once this had happened.
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Serena Yeo
rated this item with 4 stars.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To test participants accuracy under pressure when working in teams.
• To reflect on how they could have improved their performance.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test participants accuracy under pressure when working in teams.
• To reflect on how they could have improved their performance.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.
Useful For:
Anyone.
You'll Need:
• One set of the Name Cards per team, which you will need to cut out beforehand.
• The PowerPoint slides of challenges, provided.
Notes:
This game is best played in teams with 3-5 participants in each. Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore your participants’ response to change and the factors that drive it.
About
Time:
The exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore your participants’ response to change and the factors that drive it.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Staff at all levels.
You'll Need:
• Five red and five green sticky dots for each participant.
Notes:
You will need to have pre-prepared flipcharts with the statements listed as per the handout.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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This is one of my favourite change activities. Sharing the change curve and looking at feelings that are totally naturally experienced by all when going through change really helps participants who are going through change and manage change to understand themselves and others in addition to moving on to look at what can be done at each stage to move people and themselves through change.
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Anjana Rajani
rated this item with 5 stars.
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This is a good ice-breaker exercise when looking at any aspect of change. It was felt though that there were far too many initial statements, which did cause the exercise to become tedious towards the end. In future sessions I would recommend that the statements be reduced to those that are more applicable to (your) current organisational change. The exercise would then work as a very good introduction to a short or full day course.
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Nick Lennon-Barrett
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I used this exercise to help people assess how they feel towards change. Delegates may think that they know how they feel about change and how they cope with it. However, by giving them this task it makes them think about change in a different way and it promotes an honest and open discussion.
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Previous Member
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To provide participants the opportunity to practice their attention to detail and accuracy skills when under ever increasing pressure.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To provide participants the opportunity to practice their attention to detail and accuracy skills when under ever increasing pressure.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• One set of 180 Filing Frenzy shape cards and instruction cards 1 and 4 for each team (see set up notes).
• A stopwatch or timer.
• A whistle or bell (optional).
• A prize for the winning team (optional).
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To test participants’ attention to detail.
• To explore how patience and persistence can help when tasks are detail orientated.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test participants’ attention to detail.
• To explore how patience and persistence can help when tasks are detail orientated.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.
Useful For:
Anyone.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
Label
| Reviews |
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| A review has not been posted for this item. If you are a member of Glasstap you can submit one using the contact us screen. |
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To test listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To encourage participants to think about how they can check their understanding of information they receive.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion. (You may wish to take more time for larger groups or where you want to explore some of the learning in more detail.)
Aims:
• To test listening skills.
• To illustrate the dangers of making assumptions.
• To encourage participants to think about how they can check their understanding of information they receive.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size. It is possible to use this exercise in conference situations as well as more usual training interventions like courses and workshops.
You'll Need:
• A pre-prepared flipchart of the statements from the handout (hidden from view until required).
• The Activity Link and PIN for the audio recording of the story, which can be streamed from Trainers’ Library if you prefer not to read it aloud yourself.
Notes:
If reading the story to participants, we suggest that you rehearse reading the story aloud a few times prior to delivery.
If You Like This Training Exercise:
You’ll LOVE ‘The Witches of Glum’ which is also available from Trainers’ Library. ‘The Witches of Glum’ has been endorsed by Show Racism the Red Card for its ability to make participants think about prejudice and stereotypes. To find out more about the great work this charity is doing to educate against racism, visit www.theredcard.org.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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Another one of my favourites - it's so incredibly powerful and I've used it on all levels within the organisations I work with.
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Lottie Skuthe-Cook
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I have used this activity for over 10 years now. It's an old favourite and can be used in so many ways.
Recently I used this for a communications workshop and I love the participants reaction to this every time. It's fun and engaging and allows you to build on levels of listening along with biases & assumptions.
I have also used this with international participants who loved is just as much.
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Pauline Weddell
rated this item with 5 stars.
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We have been using this activity in our Equality and Diversity sessions to demonstrate what happens when we make assumptions or go into something with a preconceived
idea in our mind. Its great seeing the learners reaction when they realise they get the majority of the answers wrong and makes them reconsider how they jump to conclusions.
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Hannah Bell
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Another great exercise. It really gets the message across well. I have used it in small groups of 6+ and more recently I used it as part of a large event on commissioning / co-creation where we had 50+ so it is very versatile. Generally people enjoy the exercise, you may get the occasional grumble, but on the whole I have found it to be well received. Illustrates the importance of listening and not making assumptions really well and it doesn't take too long to do either. A good, quick exercise
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Mike Taylor
rated this item with 4 stars.
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I'm in danger of over-using this fantastic exercise! It's a great way of illustrating that we're not as good at listening as we think we are. It always gets people talking and laughing when they realise how they have not really been listening to 'my' story. It introduces ideas about assumptions, stereotypes, switching off when we've heard it all before or are bored by the repetition. I used it recently when the rather cocky 'I'm a brilliant manager' delegate got only 3 right, and the rather shy, newly promoted manager got 11/12. You should have seen their faces when I awarded a star to the winner!
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Sally Jones
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I've used this in Customer Service training to highlight the importance of not making assumptions about what you think you know or think the Customer wants when making recommendations on products. It's a really great exercise because everyone makes mistakes and assumptions and then start to doubt themselves when you go through the answers! There were some real light bulb moments for delegates with this. Really great exercise and would highly recommend.
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Gayle Tong
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I have used this a couple of times now and think its fab. Simple to use yet so effective. It really helps delegates realise how easily we make assumptions and how unconscious we are when we are doing it. Great to use for management programs and communication or for teambuilding. Great as an icebreaker in to so many different subjects. Not much preparation needed yet so effective
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Anjana Rajani
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Goldilocks is by far my favourite listening activity. I have used this in call handling training as well as to reception staff. It never fails to entertain the delegates, but always ticks the boxes for active listening as well as assumptions training. It always prompts a lively discussion and is ideal to use after lunch (or any other time a pick up is needed!). The only down side is that as it’s so memorable, it’s the one activity they always rave about on the evaluation forms! Thanks Glasstap for providing such fabulous material.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Fantastically effective exercise. Really makes people think about their active listening skills. Andrew Pickin, Director, Motiv8 Development Ltd.
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Andy Pickin
rated this item with 5 stars.
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What a lovely exercise. Everyone knows the Goldilocks tale and this existing knowledge really helps drive the learning points home. I’ve used it in induction courses. It served a couple of purposes – it fulfilled the aims outlined on the site, but also helped new starters to recognise that no matter what their previous experience they still have opportunities for learning new things and that they may have a black spot here and there in which they assume knowledge that they may not possess.
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Previous Member
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I’ve used this exercise extensively in customer service and sales soft skills workshops and I’ve found it really difficult to find another exercise that beats it when it comes to highlighting how we naturally make assumptions and the importance of active listening. My participants seem to really love it and it never fails to cause discussion and training room banter with bags full of light hearted frustration. No-one has ever got all the questions correct yet! A simple, yet effective exercise, I like the fact that it uses Goldilocks, a story which most of us will be aware of from childhood. I find it really easy to then link this exercise in to the types of calls that my delegates make or receive, especially the common ones where we can assume we know what it is about and how to resolve it without stopping to listen to the customer. I’ve used similar exercises in the past and have been ‘put off’ as they have sometimes caused a little too much debate. However, with this exercise, it is easy to explain the logic behind the exercise to even the most analytical delegate.
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Previous Member
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This is one of my favourite activities; I use it in my Telephone System/Call Handling training where it is very important for people to listen to what others are saying on the telephone. Reading a story to a group is fun and people make assumptions on what they have heard which means they learn a lot from the activity. This is great to use for Presentation skills, Train the Trainer, Assertiveness and Selling Skills.
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Previous Member
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I work for a small voluntary sector organisation with 5 full time and 2 part time staff. We had recently introduced customer service standards and to bring the policy alive rather than just sit on a shelf, I ran a team training morning session using Goldilocks as part of the session. Team training is a new addition to our team time together so as the newly appointed Team Leader (a change to my previous role with the organisation) I was a little apprehensive. The session started off well and discussions were really focused. When it came time to read the story of Goldilocks it at first raised a few smurks and frowns, however it went down well. Interestingly the boss only got 2 out of 12 for the quiz! His comment was - guess I wasn't really listening! Mmm really! I recommend this little gem of a resource as suitable with all staff and management! Having now used this as my first resource from Trainers' Library I certainly have confidence in using more.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 4 stars.
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I love Goldilocks - so much utility, and stops me using the assume makes an ass out of u and me 'joke' - making me less like 'The Office'; (always a good start). It nearly always creates controversy - 'Can you read that again?'. As such, what a great way to get people to listen actively, consider why people don't always 'get-it' first time, stops them tutting at each other, and maybe (just maybe) helps to improve communication by considering the ears half of the equation. It is foolproof, fast and fun.
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Phil Hawthorn
rated this item with 5 stars.
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What a simple idea and so effective. I've used it with new recruits to customer service teams and with senior managers in a local council. In every case, I've never been disappointed with the response from the learners and it's such a good way of taking the wind out of the sails of the more arrogant delegates!
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Graeme Yeates
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The Goldilocks exercise is a valuable method of demonstrating to candidates the way they make assumptions. I have used this module with both Customer Service Advisors and customer facing Production Staff as a way of testing their listening skills. By cleverly mixing a familiar story with a few challenging twists, it really stretches the short term memory and in my experience results in an up-beat atmosphere. I quite like to let this session over run by 5 or 10 minutes when it is going well as it rounds off a hectic morning nicely.
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Previous Member
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I used the Goldilocks story in some customer service training. Some of the delegates didn't listen when I read the story, as they thought they knew it (as it is a popular children's tale). However, they soon learnt what a trap that assumption is when they then couldn't correctly answer the ensuing questions. In fact some people had been quite arrogant in their assumptions intially and quickly realised that this resulted in their undoing! The key learning for them came from the fact that they should always listen to what's being said, without making assumptions or listening from their perspective, as the speaker may go off on a tangent that they didn't expect.
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Fiona West
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I have always been a great lover of story telling while training and Goldilocks listening exercise has given me the opportunity to combine a good story with a great activity. Goldilocks really stresses the message of the dangers of making assumptions, but it does that in a fun and different way which gets participants engaged and sometimes a bit fiery when discussing the answers to the questions about the story. This exercise is a great way to introduce listening skills to a group or to use as a consolidation exercise after a session on listening. Fun is guaranteed!
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Previous Member
rated this item with 4 stars.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.
Aims:
• To test participants’ abilities to work together to complete a challenge.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test participants’ abilities to work together to complete a challenge.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Staff at all levels, especially those working together in teams (or who soon will be).
You'll Need:
• Plenty of clear space for the activity and a way of marking the start and finish line of the racetrack. (Outside is best.) And for each team:
• Two postal tubes (stoppers removed).
• A golf ball.
• A flipchart pen.
Notes:
A small prize for the winning team would be a nice touch. For a similar activity, with a different approach, you might like to look at An Eggs-acting Challenge - Creating a Winning Strategy.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 40 minutes.
Aims:
• To develop participant’s brainstorming skills.
• To identify what changes participants would like to see within their team/department.
• To explore how participants can make those changes possible.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To develop participant’s brainstorming skills.
• To identify what changes participants would like to see within their team/department.
• To explore how participants can make those changes possible.
Group Size:
This icebreaker can be used with groups of up to 24 participants.
Useful For:
Existing teams.
You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and pens.
• Enough green sticky dots for participants to have three each. (If you are unable to source sticky dots, a green marker pen for every participant will work too.)
Notes:
This module is designed for situations where your participants work together in the same team. It can be run as a stand-alone exercise on brainstorming, or as part of a session looking to develop the continuous improvement skills of a team.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To test the accuracy levels of your participants.
• To explore how well participants can work together as a team.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test the accuracy levels of your participants.
• To explore how well participants can work together as a team.
Group Size:
Can be used with groups of almost any size.
Useful For:
Anyone.
You'll Need:
• A copy of the handout provided and a set of coloured pens/pencils for every team.
• A prize for the winning team (optional).
Notes:
We suggest that you try solving the challenge yourself before the session, so you can see how it’s done. It will also help you give hints and tips to participants as they complete the exercise. Please note, although we have included symbols to aid participants who suffer from colour-blindness, this exercise may not be suitable for those who are visually impaired.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.
Aims:
• To raise awareness of how quickly we draw conclusions about other people.
• Understand the impact unconscious bias has on our interactions with others.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To raise awareness of how quickly we draw conclusions about other people.
• Understand the impact unconscious bias has on our interactions with others.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Notes:
This exercise works best if your participants don’t know you very well.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about each other.
• To test participant's listening and recall skills.
• To briefly explore barriers to listening.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to share information about each other.
• To test participant's listening and recall skills.
• To briefly explore barriers to listening.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 30 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore how participants perceive their role in the team and if they adopt a similar approach away from work.
• To explore how their colleagues perceive their own roles in the team and if this differs away from work.
• To understand the importance of diversity of skills and abilities within a successful team.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore how participants perceive their role in the team and if they adopt a similar approach away from work.
• To explore how their colleagues perceive their own roles in the team and if this differs away from work.
• To understand the importance of diversity of skills and abilities within a successful team.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with pre-existing teams of up to 15 team members.
You'll Need:
• One set of My Role Cards per 8 participants, blu tack and flipchart.
Notes:
This exercise is designed for pre-existing teams, especially if they need to work more effectively together.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To test participants communication in a fun way and identify areas for improvement.
• To consider the impact poor communication can have on performance levels.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test participants communication in a fun way and identify areas for improvement.
• To consider the impact poor communication can have on performance levels.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Staff at all levels.
You'll Need:
• A bucket (or a bowl if space is limited).
• A timer/stopwatch.
• A flipchart to record the scores. And for each pair of participants:
• A blindfold.
• 6 soft balls (or tiddlywinks/counters if space is limited). (Each pair must have six balls/counters of the same colour.)
Notes:
If space is limited, substitute the bucket and soft balls for a bowl and tiddlywinks/counters.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To give participants an opportunity to feel for themselves how stressful procrastination can be./p>
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion (see notes).
Aims:
• To give participants an opportunity to feel for themselves how stressful procrastination can be.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Staff at all levels.
You'll Need:
• Enough identical, plain wrapped chocolates, for there to be one per participant.
• A jug of water and a glass (on standby for dramatic effect).
Notes:
This module involves a simple ‘side’ activity that continues throughout the workshop/course with the discussion at the end. Chocolate coins will work well for this exercise as they just need to be simple pieces of plain or milk chocolate that look identical, but your participants will think something quite different.
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| Reviews |
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I think this is a brilliant way to highlight procrastination and the link to fear. I will definitely be using this activity in my next course.
I wanted to add the suggestion of an alternative. It may be worth asking delegates firstly if there are any food allergies amongst them. Chili is a known trigger for allergies. As an alternative it may be worth considering informing the attendees that one of the chocolates/sweets has an unpleasant taste rather than a chili based flavour. Looking forward to using this activity.
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Tracy Windross
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore the positive impact of assertive communication when working with others.
• To describe how communication helped or hindered their problem solving.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore the positive impact of assertive communication when working with others.
• To describe how communication helped or hindered their problem solving.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• A length of rope. (We suggest around 1 metre per participant.)
• A blindfold for each participant.
Notes:
If using this exercise with very large groups, you will need volunteers to take part and the remaining participants act as observers.
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| Reviews |
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A very simple and easy icebreaker which gets people thinking about how to solve problems together and being assertive. I used this with a smaller team of 5 people and it worked just as well. It was interesting to see who takes the lead in the team at the start of a training session and good to get people up and on their feet.
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Elaine Stephens
rated this item with 5 stars.
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to gather information about each other.
• To illustrate the importance and benefit of open questions when gathering information.
• To illustrate the uses of closed questions.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To encourage participants to gather information about each other.
• To illustrate the importance and benefit of open questions when gathering information.
• To illustrate the uses of closed questions.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Notes:
This exercise will take longer the larger the group.
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| Reviews |
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This module can be used as a nice ‘icebreaker’ and also illustrates the benefit of appropriate questioning. I actually only used this with me as the person being questioned and two people posing questions. I then facilitated a discussion on the types of questions asked and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. It prompted a very useful session on questioning skills and really encouraged the participants to consider how best to use questions in different circumstances. We were then able to list examples of the ‘best’ questions to ask in different scenarios. Again the module is useful because it highlights the good and less good without people having to share what they currently do and because the questions asked are not work related it is easy to highlight the benefits of using different styles of question without getting into detailed discussion about the wording of a specific question.
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Previous Member
rated this item with 4 stars.
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I used this exercise on a Communication skills day with predominantly home care workers in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of 'open'questions over 'closed' questions. The group quickly grasped what was required and I ran the exercise according to the instructions. They grasped what was required quickly and were able to draw their own conclusions. Several commented on how easy it was to change their questionning style with some thought and that they would remember the point of the exercise when working with their clients. A plentiful supply of chocolate given for good open questions helped I think!
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Robert Corteen
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To help participants to understand why clear objectives and goals matter.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To help participants to understand why clear objectives and goals matter.
Group Size:
This exercise is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• One set of Sorting Out Shape Cards per two participants.
• A stopwatch.
• A buzzer or bell to signal when their time is up.
Notes:
Filing Frenzy card packs are available to purchase – each pack contains 10 sets of the shape cards used in this activity.
Label
| Reviews |
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 15 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore how participants see their role in the team.
• To allow participants to share what they think they personally contribute to the team.
• To understand the importance of diversity within a successful team.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 15 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore how participants see their role in the team.
• To allow participants to share what they think they personally contribute to the team.
• To understand the importance of diversity within a successful team.
Group Size:
Can be used with groups of up to 24 participants.
Useful For:
Pre-existing teams.
You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and pens for each participant.
Notes:
This exercise is designed for pre-existing teams, and especially those that may need to work more effectively together. If you have more than 10 participants, you may need to allow extra time for this activity.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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| Reviews |
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To explore the impact on the wider team if under performance isn't effectively addressed.
• To understand why performance management is also about effectively using all the skills within their team.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To explore the impact on the wider team if under performance isn't effectively addressed.
• To understand why performance management is also about effectively using all the skills within their team.
Group Size:
Suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Label
| Reviews |
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| A review has not been posted for this item. If you are a member of Glasstap you can submit one using the contact us screen. |
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 25 minutes.
Aims:
• To test participant’s problem-solving skills.
• To explore the different behaviours employed when solving problems.
• To identify how these behaviours can impact team performance.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes for completion.
Aims:
• To test participant’s problem-solving skills.
• To explore the different behaviours employed when solving problems.
• To identify how these behaviours can impact team performance.
Group Size:
This icebreaker can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.
Useful For:
Anyone.
You'll Need:
• One Puzzle Star and set of letters for every team in play.
• To cut out the missing letters for each of the Puzzle Stars required and place each set in an envelope (or similar).
• A small prize for the winning team (optional).
Notes:
This icebreaker works best when participants are split into teams of 2 or 3. It is fine for different teams to have the same puzzle. There is another module which uses the same activity as this but in a different way. This icebreaker focuses on Problem Solving skills, whereas the other is a course module, ‘Letters Get Better’, which focuses on Continuous Improvement.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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| A review has not been posted for this item. If you are a member of Glasstap you can submit one using the contact us screen. |
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To illustrate, in a fun way, the problem with being too close to a situation or problem.
About
Time:
This exercise will take about 5 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 10 minutes to complete this module.
Aims:
• To illustrate, in a fun way, the problem with being too close to a situation or problem.
Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.
You'll Need:
• A small prize for the winner would be a nice addition to this exercise.
Notes:
The PowerPoint will automatically move to the next slide after a minute.
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I recently used Too Close? as an ice breaker and it was very enthusiastically received. Please do more of these as I could use them over and over again.
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Julie Terry
rated this item with 5 stars.
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I used this for an L&D conference that I ran in March this year. We had 40 people attending, split over 5 different tables. We had ensured they were mixed up, but we wanted to encourage the flow of conversation…not that this can be difficult with a room full of trainers! We put two envelopes on each table, containing a copy of the pictures. We asked them to split into two teams on each team. We then asked them to grab an envelope and challenged them as to who would be the first team to submit a complete set of correct answers to the presenter at the front. This resulted in everyone scrambling to their feet, diving for their envelope and then all huddled around debating and shouting answers. We went from quiet to chaos in 5 seconds (organised chaos that it is!) From my perspective this was very simple and easy to run, and the only setting up needed was having 10 envelopes with the pictures inside, and one slide with the instructions on. It was over within 5 minutes, so we could then get on with our day. I was also able to use the ‘learning point’ of trainers being able to stand back to analyse problems. It worked so well, that I have got my boss running the same session tomorrow, for a conference he is attending for 50 people in one of our business units. Their learning point will be that in our normal working environment we can be too close to a problem or situation to look at it objectively. Tomorrow will be their opportunity to take a step back, look at the wider picture and, by doing so, identify what actions may need to be taken.
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Previous Member
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Time:
In total we estimate this exercise will take 20 minutes.
Aims:
• To demonstrate the difference effective feedback can make to someone’s performance.
About
Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.
Aims:
• To demonstrate the difference effective feedback can make to someone’s performance.
Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants. Ideally, you'll have at least 4 participants though, so that you can demonstrate the 4 types of feedback described.
Useful For:
Anyone who needs to give or receive feedback.
You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.
Notes:
This is a great way to demonstrate the difference it can make when feedback is given effectively. During the role-play element it is advisable to select with care the people who will be receiving the different types of feedback. It is also advisable to explain clearly at the start of the exercise that it will involve you role-playing different types of feedback.
Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.
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| Reviews |
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I have used this exercise a few times in training sessions on coaching and running 1-1 reviews. The role play element is quite fun to do but as the notes say you do need to pick your "victims" with care. Having examples of "feedback" to discuss makes it much easier and involving individuals from the group allows you to focus on how they felt about the feedback. On the whole, a fun exercise to open a session about giving feedback.
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Lisa Lester
rated this item with 5 stars.
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