Yesterday we examined Senge’s projector and screens exercise. Let’s take a look at another way in which teams can be strengthened. The blindfolds exercise invites team members to practice a deeper level of listening. This exercise also promotes a deeper understanding of situations and our surroundings.
During this simple but profound exercise the team gathers in a room where they can discuss anything they wish for about 20 minutes or so. You as their leader should take on the role of the facilitator. The twist of this exercise is that all team members (except the facilitator) wear blindfolds during the discussion. The idea is to increase listening as visual stimulation is diminished. Have the discussion start out with a couple of minutes of silence to help everyone focus. Pay close attention to the group during the discussion. You’re not only the facilitator, you’re the group’s eyes. Keep in mind that blindfolding will make some people nervous while others will experience an increased freedom to express themselves. Once the exercise is over and the blindfolds have been removed, feel free to discuss the experience with your team. Pay close attention to the feedback you get.
Senge, P. M., Kleiner, A., Roberts, C., Ross, R. B., Smith, B. J. (1994). The fifth discipline fieldbook: Strategies and tools for building a learning organization. New York, NY: Currency.
