The categories, each of which should be represented in one quadrant
of the shield are:
a. Two of your leadership skills.
b. The part of your current work that you like best.
c. Two values that influence how you lead others.
d. A recent success or accomplishment.Step 4: Ask the participants to complete their coats of arms by writing their
family names on the shield and adding a personal motto that they try to
exemplify. If they wish, they can embellish their shields with other
graphics or designs.
Step 5: Ask participants to explain what they have included on their shield, and
why. Allow approximately one minute per person. (Participants might
only have time to explain one part of it.)Step 6: Briefly discuss how our backgrounds, values, and personal philosophies
affect the ways we interact and lead. Tie what is shared by the
participants into the content of your leadership program.
Step 7: Pose these questions:- Which quadrant was the easiest to complete, and why?
- Which quadrant, if any, reveals something about you that others
might not know? - Which quadrant demonstrates the values of your company?
VARIATIONS
Take a picture of each participant and affix it to each person’s shield.
If you have more than 20 people or you need to save time, form groups
of 5 to 6 participants for Step 5.POST-ACTIVITY REVIEW
Take time shortly after conducting this activity to reflect on how it went, how engaged
the participants were, and what questions they raised. Then, make notes that include
how much time you actually spent on the activity.
LAY THE GROUNDWORK, ENERGIZE PARTICIPANTS, AND THEN CLOSE^13