Resources
The Nail Exercise
I use this exercise to illustrate the idea that it is possible to accomplish something that may seem impossible. I set the exercise up at the beginning of the seminar and I explain to people that I want them to think about how to solve it throughout the day. Then, every so often, I stop and ask the group for ideas and suggestions. If someone has seen the exercise before or they figure out the answer, I ask them to wait until the end to tell us the answer. At the end of the workshop, we work together as a team to solve the problem. You must use brainstorming, risking, sharing ideas, and constructive feedback, teamwork, and effective communications, but the puzzle gets solved.
I use this exercise to illustrate the idea that it is possible to accomplish something that may seem impossible. I set the exercise up at the beginning of the seminar and I explain to people that I want them to think about how to solve it throughout the day. Then, every so often, I stop and ask the group for ideas and suggestions. If someone has seen the exercise before or they figure out the answer, I ask them to wait until the end to tell us the answer. At the end of the workshop, we work together as a team to solve the problem. You must use brainstorming, risking, sharing ideas, and constructive feedback, teamwork, and effective communications, but the puzzle gets solved.
The objective is to balance 12 nails on the head of a single nail that is fixed into a block of wood. The nails may only touch other nails. They cannot touch the wooden block and they must be self-supporting. You cannot use glue, wire, tape, or anything else to hold the nails together. You cannot reorient the board or fixed nail to solve the puzzle. Although it seems impossible, the group does solve the puzzle and they walk out of the workshop feeling like they can solve difficult situations if they use a little more brainstorming or other skills, or more joint effort.
How much is it worth to give people the feeling that they can solve more problems by using some specific skills and energy? Priceless.