In the realm of change management, innovative exercises can provide a refreshing and effective way to engage teams and foster transformation. The Poncho Exercise is such an exercise that has gained prominence. This blog post delves into the intricacies of the Poncho Exercise, exploring its purpose, preparation, execution, debriefing, and the invaluable insights it can offer in the change journey.
What is the Exercise About?
The Poncho Exercise is a dynamic activity designed to give feedback to others. It serves as an engaging and interactive tool to help teams understand what others think and appreciate about them. Rooted in experiential learning, this exercise creates a hands-on environment where participants can actively engage with the challenges and opportunities that feedback brings.
The Poncho Exercise transcends its role as a mere activity and emerges as a transformative tool for team-building. By immersing participants in the experiential process, it fosters open communication, cultivates empathy, and encourages teamwork. Ultimately, this heightened awareness translates into a more cohesive and adaptable workforce, capable of navigating organizational transitions with resilience and synergy.
How to do the Poncho Exercise?
Before embarking on the Poncho Exercise, meticulous preparation is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Materials
- Gather several large paper sheets, ideally flipchart paper. Alternatively, use transparent plastic ponchos.
- Have a pen for each participant. In case you use the plastic alternative, ensure that the pens can write on the plastic ponchos. Ideally, all pens have the same color, so no participant can be identified by the color
- A scissor to cut out the hole for the head in the poncho paper
- Optional: A large clock
Instructions
The Poncho Exercise consists of several stages:
- As the facilitator, prepare the poncho papers and cut out the hole for the head before the exercise starts
- Begin by explaining the exercise’s purpose, emphasizing its relevance to the group. Feedback is important to grow personally.
- Distribute a poncho paper or alternative and a pen to each participant.
- The time for this exercise is about 15-20 minutes, depending on the group size.
- Within the timeframe, do several rounds of feedback. Each round is about 3 minutes. In case people don´t move quickly enough, ask them to go to another person after the 3-minute timeframe. Optionally, use the clock so all participants know the time.
- During the exercise, ask the participants to write feedback on the back of the poncho from another person. What do they appreciate about the person? What are good qualities? What do you like about him or her? What do you want to say as constructive feedback or positive development?
- When time is over, ask the participants to stop, sit down, and just read the feedback from their poncho back quietly.
- Ask the participants to exchange with their neighbor about the feedback received, and open up for a discussion about the exercise in the group. Use some of the debrief questions to guide the discussion.
- Thank all participants.
Tips for Facilitators
Successful facilitation of the Poncho Exercise requires finesse and a keen understanding of group dynamics. Watch the time so every round has the same timeframe to provide feedback to the other colleagues and set the tone for active participation. By fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, facilitators can ensure that the exercise yields profound insights and becomes a cohesive team-building exercise.
Debrief
After the exercise, engage participants in a reflective debriefing session. Pose thought-provoking questions to extract meaningful insights:
- How did you feel about providing feedback anonymously?
- What challenges did you encounter while writing the feedback on the ponchos?
- How can the lessons learned from this exercise be applied to our real world?
- What strategies can be adopted to foster better communication and collaboration?
Conclusion
The Poncho Exercise transcends traditional change management approaches by immersing participants in an experiential learning journey. It vividly illustrates the multifaceted nature of Feedback and the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and empathy. As a change management practitioner, incorporating the Poncho Exercise into your toolkit can offer your readers a powerful tool for understanding Feedback dynamics and navigating transformational journeys. By sharing this exercise, you contribute to building a supportive community that empowers individuals to embrace change and emerge stronger together.
Further Resources
The journey of change management extends beyond a single exercise, and there is a wealth of resources available to delve deeper into the subject. To expand your knowledge and enhance your change management toolkit, consider exploring recommended readings, attending workshops, and watching informative videos. These resources offer diverse perspectives on change dynamics, providing valuable insights to complement the Poncho Exercise. By immersing yourself in these resources, you’re better equipped to guide organizations through transformative change, fostering a culture of adaptability and growth.
