The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

MATERIALS

 Gather common objects that can be imbued with symbolic significance, or

provide participants with a list of 2 to 4 objects to bring to the workshop.

(The second method generates more involvement.) Objects should not be

valuable or have sentimental value, in case something is lost. Here is a sample

list to encourage creativity.

 Aspirin bottle  Lightbulb  Soap

 Bottle of water  Magazine  Spring (from ball point pen)

 Battery  Mirror  Tape measure

 Calorie chart  Rubberband  Thermometer

 Candle  Salt shaker  Toy top

 Candy bar  Seeds

 Jump rope  Shoelaces

ROOM SET-UP

Table for objects

Chairs arranged in a circle

Comments

It is very important when developing leadership competencies to do a variety of things

to help people remember their accomplishments and achievements. The exercise is

quite versatile: It can be used to remind people about competencies after a training

session or a discussion. The example we chose to explain is used after a balance activ-

ity. How does one remember to maintain balance in one’s life? Read on to find out!

Trainer’s Notes for Activity 29

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

Step 1: Introduce the activity by asking , “What is a talisman?” Acknowledge

answers. (A sample answer is ‘A talisman is a common object that a

person chooses to represent something he/she wishes to commit to

or accomplish. Then ask, “What do you see as the advantages of a

talisman?”

Step 2: “We will now select a talisman for ourselves. We’ve discussed how to

achieve balance in our lives. Pick an object from the table that will

remind you of one way that you will strive to achieving balance. (Note:

Participants may choose an object other than the one they brought.)

(^160) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK