The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

Trainer’s Notes for Activity 22

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

Step 1: Introduce the topic of personal change by asking:

 “When I say the word CHANGE, what comes to mind?” (Record

answers on the flipchart.)

 “Is it helpful to divide change into personal change and professional

change? Why or why not?”

 “You might notice some butterflies around the room. Any ideas as to

why they are posted?”

 “Here’s a balloon for you. Please blow it up and tie it.” (See if anyone

makes a connection between the caterpillar and the butterfly as you

show some tiny caterpillar toys.)

 “Yes, caterpillars evolve into butterflies. Have you ever seen it

happen?”

Step 2: Tell the following story and lead a discussion about its meaning:

“Two caterpillars, sitting on the leaves of a tree, are talking. A beautiful

butterfly floats by. One caterpillar turns to the other and says, “You’ll

never get meup on one of those butterfly things.”

Ask participants to consider the meaning of this story and look for some

important perspectives. Elicit responses and put them on one of the

flipcharts. Repeat the story if that helps to get more responses. Then say,

“When I ask people to discuss the meaning of the story, I receive many

different responses, including the ones on this flipchart.” Show the one

or two sheets on the flipchart with these ideas:

 Caterpillars have no need to fly. They are already well grounded!

 Caterpillars can eat anything green, and they find food everywhere.

 Butterflies are a stage beyond caterpillars.

 Butterflies have to fly to get anywhere. Caterpillars can crawl and

climb.

 It’s easier for butterflies to develop perspective than it is for

caterpillars.

(^118) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK