Download Handbook
Building Trust in Diverse Teams:
Concise version
PDF available in these languages:
|
|
View the concise version online in French and Spanish:
Tool 3: Trust walk
Learning objectives
This tool is a fun and engaging way for team members to learn to trust and rely upon each other. It does this through a group experience which helps team members discuss and understand what factors improve or undermine trust
|
Overall time required |
1 hours |
|
Group size |
8–15 |
|
Level of facilitation required |
Medium |
|
Relevant Trust Criteria |
Competence, Openness, Goodwill, Well-being |
|
Resources required |
Clean blindfolds for each person One or two long ropes Stakes and ribbons to mark the course Flip-chart paper, stand, and markers |
Facilitation tips
The activity consists of the team walking together along a pre-determined route while blindfolded. Team members form a line, one in front of the other, and each person either places one hand on the shoulder of the person in front or holds onto a rope which connects team members together.
Whilst walking the trust walk route, the team is guided by one or more of its members who will act as guides using a small number of signals for guidance.
When using this tool remember the following:
|
How it works
1. Introduce the exercise to the whole team. Explain the learning objectives
2. Explain that the participants will do the exercise and they will also need to recall how they felt during the experience, so that they can discuss it afterwards.
3. Remind the team about the ‘safety’ gesture or word. (NB: Please explain again as in facilitation tips)
4. Get the group to choose one or two team members to serve as guides. Explain that you are going to take the guide(s) to see the route and that while away the group(s) should spend some time planning how they will handle the exercise.
5. Explain to everyone that the guide(s) will not be allowed to say anything or communicate with the blindfolded group in normal language. They can make whatever sounds they like, for example whistling, clucking, clapping etc. in order to guide the team. Also, they are not allowed to touch any members of the group.
6. Take the guide(s) and show them the route. Return to the group with the guides and remind everyone of the rules:
- No speaking, only sounds as a means of communication
- The guide(s) cannot touch them
7. Give the group a few minutes to agree their communication signals.
8. Ask everyone to put on their blindfolds. Go round and check that everyone is OK and that they cannot see anything. When ready, give a signal to start the walk.
9. Join the participants on the walk. Watch for potential danger and make sure you are in a good position at all times. Point out the route to the guide(s) if they lose their way. Watch and listen for situations that will be useful to discuss after the walk. Make notes if necessary.
10. When the team has completed the course, ask the guide(s) to walk the group back through the route to see what they could not see and so that they can share the reactions and sensations they had when they were blindfolded.
11. Discuss the walk. Document the main points the team raise on flip-charts. Some of the following questions can be useful:
- How and why were the two guides chosen?
- How did it feel to be led?
- How did it feel to be a guide?
- What worked well
- What would you do differently next time (ask guide(s) and group(s) – is there a different perspective?)
- What lessons can we apply to our work together as team?
Share and Bookmark
E-mail page Add to favourites