Communication/ Method: Coach the Builder (Goyette, 2016)

 

Instruction: Divide employees into groups of four to seven people. Each group should be given two sets of blocks (such as Lego). 

• Beforehand, you should construct a sample object (e.g., a house) from one of the sets of blocks. 

• In each group, select a leader, a delegator, a builder and a note-taker. The note-taker watches and records the group’s behavior during the task. They take note of what appeared to be done well and how employees could improve.

• The leader is given the item that you built – however, they are the only group member to see the object. 

• Set a timer for ten minutes. 

• To begin with, the leader describes to the delegator how the builder should build a replica of the item. However, the delegator does not see the object, and at this stage of the activity, the builder should not hear the instructions.

• The delegator can speak with the leader as often as necessary during the 10 minutes. The builder attempts to build the same item that the leader can see. However, they are only relying on the delegator’s instructions. At this stage, the delegator should not see the object that the builder is constructing.

• When the time is up, reveal both objects to all participants and see how closely they match. 

 

Wrap up: Discuss what was frustrating or easy about the process. Discuss how things could be done differently in order to achieve better results. What role do you play as Crew Supervisor: leader/delegator/builder/note-taker? How did asking questions or a failure to ask questions effect completing the task?

 

Action: Identify ways you could improve communication with your crew? 

• Follow up and Verify

• Feedback Loop: 12:00/2:00/4:00 tell me where you are/what has been done/what you have left to do?