POLARITY MAP

Polarities are two opposing positions. With polarities, there is no definitive endpoint or “one right answer,” so they need to be managed rather than solved. To do this, polarities require “both-and” thinking in which we leverage the strengths of each pole while mitigating the weaknesses or drawbacks of each.

Polarity maps are valuable tools in helping to foster “both-and” thinking and manage polarities. Managing is getting the most of both polarities while failing is getting the worst of both.

ONE WORD

Change is possible, but attention is required! Rather than trying to “boil the ocean” and focus on too many changes at the same time, teams can keep things simple. By prioritizing clarity and sustained focus over time, teams can increase their chances for successful change.

The goal of this exercise is to choose one word to be your team’s focus, and to keep the team’s attention focused on their word and the change they want to achieve. Just one word to focus and inspire the team!

MAKE A TEAM WITH…

In this activity, team members must act quickly to form small teams based on instructions that you provide out loud. The aim is to strengthen communication and help teach participants to “think on their feet” when needing to make quick decisions.

INTERACTIVE TRIZ

TRIZ is an acronym that stands for a Russian phrase: “Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch.” In English, this translates into “Inventive Theory of Problem Solving.” The idea behind a TRIZ is to put a critical lens on thinking about how to create a system or process that is designed to fail. An Interactive TRIZ is acting out all of the ways a system or process can possibly fail due to individual or team behaviours and communication. Use this activity to help identify ways to address a particular issue you are trying to solve in your own setting.

FOUR PLAYER MODEL

The Four Player Model activity helps us look at four behaviour models or roles that are necessary for effective team functioning – mover, follower, opposer, and bystander. None of these roles is inherently “better” than the others. In fact, all four roles are essential for a team to function effectively, and individuals may shift roles during an interaction. A team functions more effectively when it incorporates a variety of mindsets and behaviours.

DEBATE AND DIALOGUE

When we have a difference in opinion, we can engage in debate or dialogue. In debate, we are working to persuade or advocate for our own point of view, trying to prove that our perspective is correct and that another’s perspective is wrong. With dialogue, on the other hand, we are working to understand another’s point of view and re-evaluate our own point of view in light of that dialogue. With a true dialogue, the process is collaborative as people work to achieve a shared understanding.

CAMPFIRE

Much of what we learn is through storytelling. Campfire is an informal exercise that helps participants develop diplomacy and teamwork skills through trial and error, and by sharing successes and failures. The purpose of the activity is to reveal commonalities through shared experiences.

This activity can be useful for experience mapping. The key words can be chosen around a specific care pathway and then participants, such as clinicians, patient partners or anyone using the pathway, can take the words and share their experiences related to the pathway.

BUILDING TOGETHER

The Building Together activity encourages teams to work together to design and develop a structure using collaboration and teamwork. The goal is for the team to build the tallest freestanding tower with the limited materials provided. Take risks, be creative, and try new things!