Electric_Fence_324.pdf

ELECTRIC FENCE

Objective:

To encourage communication

To get the entire group over an “electrified” rope

To foster teamwork

To foster discussion on group dynamics

To consider safety and trust

Group Size:

Groups of no more than 12

Materials:

Bungee cords, or rope, long enough to string between trees or posts

Set – Up:

Tie or hold a section of bungee cord/rope at approximately crotch height (average height).

Instructions:

1. Ask the group to cross from one side of the cord to the other without touching the cord.

2. The group must travel en masse; i.e., there must be a constant physical connection between

all participants. If this connection breaks down at any juncture, the group must restart.

3. The electric force field extends from the wire to the ground and cannot be penetrated.

4. The supports are excellent electrical conductors, and so are not safely touched.

5. If anyone touches the supports, the wire, or the plane, the group must restart.

6. There will be no launching of people. SAFETY FIRST!!!

7. Participants may not use any objects, natural or person-made, to assist in accomplishing the

task.

Considerations:

Spotting: Participants must not step directly on the spine or neck of another participant. Step

only on the shoulders and hips if necessary.

Do not let people be “steps” too long.

Follow all general spotting techniques.

Alternatives:

Allow the group to send back only the person going over (instead of the whole group), if they

acknowledge touching the cord/supports within 5 seconds of touching it. Follow up with conversations

about integrity and ethics.

Process questions:

What assisted the group in reaching the goal?

What hindered the group in achieving the goal?

How did you react when people were sent back over?

Talk about your planning process.

Talk about the communication in the group.

Did you change your approach? If so, how?

Talk about the leadership exhibited in the group.

T HE L EADERSHIP C ENTER AT W ASHINGTON S TATE U NIVERSITY

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What were the challenges of this exercise?