The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

TRAINING METHODS

 Movement

 Discussion

 Reflection

MATERIALS

None

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

One blindfold per pair of participants (cloth strips)

ROOM SET-UP

A safe, open area

Comments

Use this activity only if you have an environment that is safe for conducting this activ-

ity, which involves a walk while blindfolded. Use it only with people who will respond

well and learn from it. If anyone indicates he/she is uncomfortable doing this, be sure

to respect their wishes.

Trainer’s Notes for Activity 21

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

Step 1: Introduce the topic by explaining the importance of building trust

among those we lead. Refer to the dynamics and activities of

professional workshops (including this one), where colleagues and often

complete strangers share ideas and experiences to derive the most

benefit from the program.

Step 2: Divide participants into two equal groups. Have one group stand and

the other sit. Instruct those seated to close their eyes. Ask those who are

standing to silently walk around and mentally select a seated partner.

They should then stand behind that person’s chair and tie a blindfold on

him or her without revealing their identity or giving clues.

Step 3: Explain that the “sighted” partners will guide their blindfolded partners

on a 5-minute walk using only nonverbal directions. The guides must use

the entire environment (rooms, hallways, stairs, and outdoors), but they

must always consider their partner’s safety and willingness to try a new

experience.

(^112) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK