SHAPES
A well-rounded, unified team is built by having a variety of team members with different strengths. Consider a sports team, like in basketball or football. What could happen if one basketball player kept the ball to themselves all the time? Or if the quarterback tried to run the ball every play instead of passing it?
This activity highlights the diverse roles that individuals play within a team and recognizes that a variety of roles is needed to create a successful and efficient team.
Source: Adapted from Teamwork: An Open Access Practical Guide
What to do
- Before starting the activity, position each of the five shapes in separate areas of the room. Make sure there is ample space for participants to move around comfortably.
- Discuss how teams consist of individuals who each play different roles. Let participants know that, just as different types of players are needed to make a team effective, a variety of shapes are also important.
- Instruct participants to take a look around the room. They’ll see five different shapes hanging up: a square, a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, and a squiggle.
- Ask participants to spend a few moments reflecting on which shape they like best or find most appealing. Then, invite them to walk over to their chosen shape.
- After everyone has moved to their selected shape, share some insights about each shape’s “personality” as outlined below:
- SQUARE: Organized, logical, and hardworking, thriving in structured environments with clear rules. They prefer all information before making decisions and complete tasks thoroughly.
How to spot a square: Methodical movements, precise gestures, routine oriented, detail focused, and punctual. - RECTANGLE: Curious, adventurous, inquisitive, and always seeking growth and new experiences while following the rules. They organize tasks systematically.
How to spot a rectangle: Enjoys variety, might have disorganized workspace, prefers suggestions and ideas. - TRIANGLE: Natural leaders, competitive, confident, and goal-oriented. They are motivated by accomplishment and focus on long-term goals but might overlook details.
How to spot a triangle: Strong voice, enjoys jokes, and balances work with play. - CIRCLE: Social and communicative, handling issues through discussion and aiming for harmony. They are empathetic, prioritize communication, and avoid unpopular decisions.
How to spot a circle: Friendly, nurturing, persuasive, often smiling, and uses touch as a gesture of friendliness. - SQUIGGLE: Creative and enjoys variety, often bored with routine. They generate innovative ideas and think in a spontaneous, non-linear way.
How to spot a squiggle: Flashy, dramatic, creative, thriving in unstructured environments, often funny and expressive with strong intuition.
- SQUARE: Organized, logical, and hardworking, thriving in structured environments with clear rules. They prefer all information before making decisions and complete tasks thoroughly.
Debrief
(following the activity)
- What did you learn about yourself during this activity? Were you surprised by anything?
- Discuss how you might play different roles in different team settings and why they may change.
- Reflect on why different styles or personalities are important for a team to function efficiently and effectively.
- Do you think people exhibit traits of more than one shape?
- Why is it important to have a mix of different shapes on the same team?
- Is it easy or difficult for people with different personality types to work together? Why?
- Why is it important not only to understand how you work best but also to learn how others work best?
- How can you apply these learnings in your workplace/team?