Masterpiece

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Observe how separate teams coordinate edge details and align independent work into a unified outcome.

Use it when: Use when multiple working groups must integrate separate deliverables into a single product and need to examine cross-boundary coordination.

Skip it when: Skip when groups need to complete conceptual strategy without hands-on materials, or when messy art supplies are impractical in the meeting space.

Group arrangement: 2 to 6 small teams of 2 to 4 people each

Timing: Relationship Makers Handbook suggests 45 to 60 minutes. Sized here for a 45-minute workshop block.

Materials and tools

• 1 master image sliced into equal rectangular segments (one segment per subgroup, labeled lightly on the back with grid coordinates like A1, A2, B1, B2)
• Blank heavy paper or canvas panels cut to identical dimensions (one panel per subgroup)
• Sets of colored markers, pastels, or paints and brushes (one set per subgroup)
• Masking tape or painter's tape for final wall assembly
• 1 flat wall or large table surface for assembling the final composition

Before participants arrive

1. Select a bold, colorful image with clear lines spanning across quadrants (such as a geometric abstraction or a famous painting).
2. Cut the source image into equal rectangular sections matching the number of subgroups (for example, 4 sections for 4 tables).
3. Place one blank panel, drawing materials, and one face-down image segment at each subgroup table.

Say this to open

Welcome. Each table has art supplies, a blank panel, and one reference card face down. Your job is to recreate the reference image onto your blank panel as accurately as possible using only the materials provided. Do not look at other tables' cards until you decide whether you need to talk with them. You have 20 minutes to paint or draw your section.

How to run it

1. Introduce task and reveal segments 5 minutes

   Deliver the opening script. Instruct teams to turn over their segment card. Clarify that teams may talk to other groups if they choose, but do not prompt them on how to coordinate. Start the 20-minute production timer.

2. Recreate segments 20 minutes

   Teams enlarge their source segment onto their blank panel. An explicit example: if Team A has a blue curved line that runs off their right edge at 3 inches from the top, they might choose to walk over to Team B to check where that line enters Team B's canvas. Teams that finish early can clean up their supplies. Call time at the end of 20 minutes.

3. Assemble the composite masterpiece 8 minutes

   Invite one representative from each table to bring their finished panel to the central wall or table. Have the group place and tape the panels together according to the grid coordinates on the back of their source slips, revealing the complete image.

4. Debrief system integration 12 minutes

   Facilitate a whole-room review focusing on coordination across boundaries. Ask 2 or 3 participants to speak to each debrief prompt.

Debrief questions

• Where did edges line up cleanly, and where did discrepancies occur?
• What made you decide to visit or not visit adjacent teams during the drawing phase?
• What did you learn from this assembly that applies to coordinating separate workstreams back on the job?

Finished output: A fully assembled composite artwork displayed on a central wall or table.

Remote

In a virtual whiteboard, assign each subgroup a breakout room and a numbered blank rectangular frame. Paste a cropped slice of the source image inside each breakout frame. Subgroups use digital drawing shapes and colors to recreate their segment. After 20 minutes, return to the main board and drag the panels together to assemble the full image.

Hybrid

In-person attendees form physical drawing tables while remote attendees pair up in a shared digital canvas. The facilitator or a designated room tech prints or screenshares the remote panel onto the room display so it can be viewed alongside the physical wall arrangement.

Access and participation choices

• Participants may choose non-drawing roles within their subgroup, such as measuring proportions, color-matching, timekeeping, or serving as an envoy to other tables.
• Any participant may pass on public speaking during the final debrief without explanation.

If the session gets stuck

Groups work in total isolation and edges fail to align at assembly.

Accept the result as valuable data. Point out the boundary mismatches during debrief to highlight the effect of working without cross-team communication.

One team finishes far earlier than the others and becomes disengaged.

Ask that team to inspect their outer borders and verify alignment measurements with adjacent teams before final assembly.

Terms used here

• Masterpiece: In this context, a pre-selected composite picture sliced into sections so separate teams must recreate pieces independently before final integration.