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Choose this exercise

Purpose: Test how a group communicates, plans, and negotiates physical constraints under open-ended success criteria.

Use it when: Use in an in-person workshop when a group needs a brief physical challenge to examine collective decision-making and role clarity.

Skip it when: Skip when participants have mobility limitations, discomfort with close physical proximity, or when safe non-slip platforms are unavailable.

Group arrangement: Teams of 6 to 12 people. Groups of 6 to 12 work as a single team. Groups of 13 to 24 split into two parallel teams of roughly equal size (e.g., 7 and 7, or 10 and 11).

Timing: Matches the 10-minute active task from the source materials plus setup, scoring, and debrief.

Materials and tools

• 3 sturdy, non-slip platforms, heavy telephone directories, or taped square mats per team
• 1 roll of painter tape to secure bases to non-slip flooring
• 1 stopwatch or timer for the facilitator
• Scratch paper and pens for individual score recording

Before participants arrive

1. Confirm the room has open, non-slip floor space free of obstacles.
2. Place three sturdy platforms or taped mats close together on the floor for each team.
3. Check that the bases do not slide under body weight.

Say this to open

Your job is to get as many people off the ground as you choose, for as long as you choose. Off the ground means no one touches the bare floor; you may only touch each other and your three bases. You cannot use walls, chairs, or outside props. You have ten minutes to plan, test, and perform your hold.

How to run it

1. Introduce rules and roles 2 minutes

   Form teams of 6 to 12. Point out each team's three bases. Repeat the core goal: get as many people off the ground as chosen, for as long as chosen, using only teammates and the three bases. Anyone who prefers not to balance may take the essential active role of safety spotter or timekeeper.

2. Plan and hold 8 minutes

   Start the timer. Teams plan and test arrangements. Spotters stand around the bases to help steady balance and ensure participants can step off safely at any second. When ready, the team executes its final attempt. The facilitator watches each team, notes the count of people fully off the ground, and times the duration of the held position until someone steps down.

3. Rate team effectiveness 2 minutes

   Direct each participant to silently write a rating from 1 to 10 on scratch paper reflecting how well their team collaborated, where 1 means poor teamwork and 10 means extraordinary teamwork. Ask them to write one specific behavior that explains their number.

4. Debrief teamwork 3 minutes

   Call the room together. Ask two participants who gave lower or middle ratings what specific change would have brought their score to a 10. Ask two participants who gave high ratings what concrete actions made their team effective.

Debrief questions

• How did your group decide on your strategy and choose who stood where?
• What specific communication or listening habit helped or slowed down your team?
• If you rated your teamwork below a 10, what concrete change would have raised your score?

Finished output: A recorded hold score per team (people supported and elapsed seconds held) and individual 1 to 10 ratings evaluating group collaboration.

Remote

This activity requires physical proximity and cannot be run remotely. To examine collaborative planning online under constraints, do not attempt this method; run a separate, distinct digital exercise instead.

Hybrid

In-person only. Remote participants cannot participate safely or equitably in this physical balance exercise. Run an entirely virtual alternative if any participants are off-site.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may freely choose non-physical roles, such as safety spotter, strategist, or team timekeeper, without explanation.
• Physical contact is voluntary; participants may step off or release contact immediately at any time without penalty.

If the session gets stuck

Bases slide on polished floors when participants step onto them.

Secure platforms firmly to the floor using painter tape or place rubber grip mats underneath before the attempt begins.

Participants lean on nearby tables, chairs, or walls for support.

Remind teams that external supports are out of bounds and instruct the team to reset their attempt.

Terms used here

• Spotter: A participant stationed beside the bases who monitors safety, helps steady teammates if invited, and ensures an open path to step down.