A card based exercise designed to improve group problem solving and communication. It is especially relevant to the examination of leadership styles. Twelve cards are distributed around the group. Each carries a selection from a total of twelve symbols. The tutor chooses one symbol as his own and the task of the group is to devise a system that will enable any member (if chosen as the interrogator) to identify this symbol by a questioning process. The exercise is designed for groups of 5-9 members and comes complete with enough cards for two groups. It needs about 75 minutes including discussion time.

OBJECTIVE
To provide participants with an immediate, shared and enjoyable experience of problem solving which will serve as a base for performance analysis and the discussion of inter-personal behaviour. The exercise will :

• demonstrate the importance of leadership style;
• improve communication skills within a team;
• demonstrate the meaning of managerial responsibility.

HOW IT WORKS
The tutor introduces the exercise and chooses a symbol from amongst the ones found on the twelve ‘symbol’ cards. He/ She then hands the cards to the team. Their task is then to devise a method that will enable them to determine the tutors chosen symbol by asking a limited number of prescribed questions. The group (or its appointed leader) must then ensure that every member of the group understands the chosen method and is capable of completing the task correctly. The tutor picks one member of the group to act as the interrogator, and the entire group is judged to have succeeded or failed according to that person’s result.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DOING
Agreeing a method to be used to solve a deductive problem, and then applying that method to cases presented to them.

FOR WHAT LEVELS IS IT APPROPRIATE?
All supervisors, managers and groups seeking to improve their ability to cooperate and solve problems.

INCLUDED
Tutor manual; Problem cards; Post exercise discussion questionnaire and all supporting documentation.

COST
£135 plus Vat and delivery.