Intended for:
This energiser is useful for highlighting the fact that we all interpret information in different ways and that how we interpret this information can mean very different results. Particularly useful during leadership training, communication and related topics.
Training course contents:
A set of instructions for the energiser, ‘Fold Up’ can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this page, or you can follow the notes below.
Resources Needed:
A sheet of paper for each participant.
Instructions:
Provide everyone within the group with a blank sheet of paper. Once they all have this, ask them to close their eyes while you give them instructions on what to do with that piece of paper.
Provide instructions on what to do with the paper. For example…
Pull the top right corner down to the bottom left corner and fold at the crease.
Turn the paper over.
Rip the top right corner from the paper.
Fold the whole piece of paper in half. Fold again.
Create a hole in the middle of the paper with just your hands. Etc.
Once you have provided enough instructions to make the exercise interesting ask everyone to open their eyes and examine the piece of paper they have.
The point to note is that although they all received the same instructions, the results were very different.
Hold a discussion around why this is and relate it to communication. For instance…
We need to be able to clarify, confirm and check.
We all understand instructions differently and this means we have to be clear when giving instructions.
How important is being able to see what you are doing?
Objectives:
This energiser is useful in training where you want to highlight how we all receive instructions differently and this can mean a different result for each. We have found the energiser particularly useful in the following Trainer Bubble training courses…
Communicating Difficult Messages – Training Course Materials
Mentor Training – Training Course Materials
Performance Management – Training Course Materials
Train the Trainer – Training Course Materials
