Understanding how others work Carly Hanson (Sector Development Officer) Friday 20 October 2017

This session Objective: Activities: To understand team dynamics and how others work Activities: Core qualities quadrant exercise Reflection: think of a time you’ve had difficulty managing a staff member Marshmallow challenge TED talk video Understanding how others work | 2

Core qualities quadrant exercise A. Core strength / quality B. Pitfall (too much of A) D. Allergy (too much of C) C. Challenge (opposite of B) Understanding how others work | 3

Core qualities quadrant exercise – Example #1 A. Core strength / quality Determination B. Pitfall (too much of A) Pushiness D. Allergy (too much of C) Passivity C. Challenge (opposite of B) Patience Understanding how others work | 4

Core qualities quadrant exercise – Example #2 A. Core strength / quality Considerate B. Pitfall (too much of A) Pushover D. Allergy (too much of C) Forceful C. Challenge (opposite of B) Assertive Understanding how others work | 5

Core qualities quadrant exercise – Reflection A. Core strength / quality What others appreciate with me What I take for granted with myself What I expect of others B. Pitfall (too much of A) What is disturbing to others What I accept with other people What I justify D. Allergy (too much of C) What I dislike in others What I least want to be myself C. Challenge (opposite of B) What I lack in myself What I need to work on What I wish I had What I admire in other people Understanding how others work | 6

Core qualities quadrant exercise – What does it mean for a team? When you meet someone who shares your core quality (A): You’ll respect each other But under stress, you might turn to nagging When you meet your opposite (D: allergy): Often results in contempt Which makes you vulnerable to your pitfall (B) People are usually allergic to the exaggerated version of what they need the most (their challenge) Identifying the person’s core quality behind their pitfall (your allergy) may create a basis of cooperation Find the balance between core strength (A) and challenge (C): You’ll become more efficient / effective in your communication and cooperation Understanding how others work | 7

What does it mean for a team? Example #1 Determination is your core strength / quality Patience (C) is your challenge, so it’s difficult to be more like that The reason is that you dislike passive (D) people, and you’re afraid of becoming like them Remember, your pitfall, pushiness (B) is someone else’s allergy, passivity (D) Finding the balance: patiently determined or determined with patience? That’s why working in a team can be challenging! Question: How do you think this exercise might be used as a tool to promote better team work? Understanding how others work | 8

Marshmallow challenge! PRIZE GIVEN FOR THE TALLEST TOWER! Understanding how others work | 9

Marshmallow challenge – Rules Build the tallest freestanding structure:  Measured from the table top surface to the top of the marshmallow The structure cannot be suspended from a higher structure, like a chair, ceiling or light The entire marshmallow must be on top:  Cutting or eating part of the marshmallow disqualifies the team Use as much or as little of the kit:  Use as many or as few of the 20 spaghetti sticks, as much or as little of the string or tape Break up the spaghetti, string or tape:  Teams are free to break the spaghetti, cut up the tape and string to create new structures The challenge lasts 18 minutes:  Teams cannot hold on to the structure when the time runs out Those touching or supporting the structure at the end of the exercise will be disqualified Understanding how others work | 10

Marshmallow challenge – Debrief How did your team go about building the tower? What worked well in the team? What didn’t work well in the team? How did your core quadrant qualities play out in action? What did you learn about this challenge? TED Talk: Tom Wujec: ‘Build a Tower, Build a Team’ More information: https://www.tomwujec.com/design-projects/marshmallow-challenge/ Understanding how others work | 11

Core quadrant activity reflection Reflect on a time when you were in a team situation In your workplace, working with others in the sector, at university, or elsewhere How can the core quadrant activity help you reflect on what worked / what didn’t? Will this knowledge change the way you work in a team in the future? Share your reflections with the person next to you Understanding how others work | 12

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