Acid Test

The Acid Test. How good is your team at learning from their experience? When a task has been completed do they sit back and reflect? Do they ask themselves what went wrong, what went well and what they could have done better? Or do they move onto the next task without a backwards glance? Successful teams understand the problem-solving process and are constantly looking for better ways to achieve results. In today’s world past success does not guarantee future performance and teams need to be constantly learning and evolving if they want to keep ahead.

Objectives

To provide participants with an immediate shared and enjoyable experience of problem-solving that will serve as the base for performance analysis and the discussion of interpersonal behaviour. Participants will be able to:

• Identify the key stages in problem-solving.
• Recognise potential barriers to effective communication.
• Carry out a group review to improve future performance.

How it Works

The group is given a unique puzzle and clue. Working against a target the participants need to share their perception of the problem, decide what the available facts suggest, and put their plan into action. The exercise allows for instant and objective feedback. If the group has made the correct assumptions then it is immediately obvious. If its assumptions are incorrect then it must consider the feedback, re-group and re-plan.

What participants will be doing

The participants will debate and evaluate alternative possibilities and experience the result of the one chosen. They will reflect on how the group approached the task, review their performance and develop a review process applicable to their own environment.

For what levels is it appropriate

All supervisors and managers who need to improve their problem solving and communication skill. It provides a forum for developing a review process to support continuous learning.

Duration

Between one and one and a half hours depending on the purpose of the exercise.

Included

Tutor manual; Puzzles; Post-exercise discussion questionnaire and all supporting documentation.

Please contact us for further information or download the Acid Test information sheet.