THROW ME SOME FEEDBACK
This activity brings a team together to explore the importance of giving and receiving feedback and support in order to achieve successful outcomes.
Source: Adapted from Team Building Toolkit
What to do
- Each team needs one blindfold, one ball or bean bag, and one box.
- Tape a start line for each team on the floor.
- Place a box at least 10 feet away from each start line.
- Each team needs to assign a thrower, a retriever, a scorekeeper, and an assistant.
- The thrower is blindfolded, stands behind the start line, and will throw the ball.
- The retriever picks up the ball and throws it back to the assistant.
- The assistant gives the ball back to the thrower.
- The scorekeeper adds up the successful throws for each round.
- The remaining team members observe and/or cheer as per round instructions (see below).
- One point is scored for every ball the thrower gets into the box. Note: The ball can bounce out; as long as it bounces into the goal box first, it counts as a point.
- Play each round (one minute per round). The goal is for the thrower to score as many points as possible in that minute.
Round 1:
- No talking.
- The thrower attempts to score as many points as possible with no input or coaching from their team.
Round 2:
- The team can coach their thrower by saying either “yeah” or “boo,” but nothing else.
- The thrower attempts to score as many points as possible with this limited feedback from their team.
Round 3:
- The team can coach their thrower by providing any helpful information.
- The thrower attempts to score as many points as possible with extensive feedback from their team.
Debrief
(following the activity)
- Throwers: What was challenging for you in Round 1 when you were receiving no feedback? How did you overcome the lack of support? Team: During Round 1, how did it feel to simply watch?
- Throwers: What was challenging for you in Round 2 when you received minimal feedback? Team: Your experience during Round 2?
- Throwers & Team: How was Round 3 different? How did it feel to be able to provide feedback? How did it feel to receive it?
- In the workplace, do we sometimes simply watch, or do we offer to help each other and accept help from others?
- When we do offer and accept help, what makes this process effective? What would make it more effective?
- What kind of feedback is most effective for you and why?