Tower Builders Inc. is a powerful experiential learning activity ... an ideal component in any program or session that is intended for the development of leadership skills. It is also an excellent team building exercise. Tower Builders Inc. can be integrated into an extensive program, or be used as a stand-alone exercise. It has also served as a fun and exciting "ice breaker" for many training, development and motivational sessions. The exercise addresses three important organizational issues: COLLABORATION CUSTOMER FOCUS CHANGE This kit contains a complete set of instructions and all of the materials needed for conducting this exercise with groups of up to twenty eight participants or four teams. Larger groups can also be accommodated by combining this kit with one or more “expansion kits” that are now available. The kit is entirely reusable; there are no expendable materials involved. The entire activity, including debrief, is typically completed within 1 to 1¾ hours. The design and content of this kit is based on hundreds of successful applications of the exercise in a wide variety of organizations in both the private and public sectors. There are many ways in which this kit can be used as an effective organizational development tool. A proven method is fully described in the documentation provided. Facilitators are encouraged to explore other possibilities and variations. Participants are divided into several work teams. While the task is to use building blocks to construct office towers, the real objective is to satisfy the customer's requirements while maximizing the organization's profitability. Although all teams are working in the same organization, the activity demonstrates our tendency to treat other areas of the organization as competitors. The negative impact of a competitive environment versus a collaborative environment is clearly demonstrated and the importance of true cross functional teamwork is highlighted. The exercise consists of two tower construction phases separated by the introduction of a change in requirements. The process and nature of the change enables participants to explore the critical issue of organizational change, and our natural negative reaction to change. They learn the importance of looking at change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Overall, the behaviors usually exhibited by the participants in this activity provide an excellent simulation of many typical organizational behaviors. The learning from this activity is primarily through self-discovery. The learning opportunity is further enriched by having participants complete the debrief questionnaire contained in the kit, or through the facilitated debrief process described in the documentation, or both. Tower Builders Inc. is guaranteed to have a positive and lasting impact on all participants! Collaboration - True collaboration (e.g. cross functional teamwork) yields better overall results than an environment that promotes internal competition. We need to take deliberate action to ensure a high degree of collaboration and to minimize internal competition. Customer focus - We need to ensure that we are truly working in partnership with the customer. Despite all the consideration given to this subject in recent years, we still make decisions based on our own assumptions of the customer's needs, rather than working closely with the customer to achieve optimum solutions. Change - When we think of change, our bias leads us to see it as a threat (negative) rather than an opportunity (positive). We often have to force ourselves to see the positive side of change. Those who do, reap the benefits. Tower Builders Inc. can be used to address a host of other organizational development topics including trust, empowerment, communications, risk taking, innovation, and the learning organization. Price: $495 plus shipping. For quantity discounts and other information, please contact: Thomas S. Nelson Associates at 905.778.8122 or on the web at tom@tsnassociates.com. Facilitator's Guide - a 16 page booklet containing detailed instructions and tips for the facilitator - designed to help achieve a meaningful and lasting impact on the participants Customer Role - a 7 page booklet with instructions and tips for the "customer" Overhead transparencies - 3, in colour and laminated for durability Debrief questionnaire - used by participants, this serves as an additional or alternative method of doing the debrief Building blocks - 4 sets of regular and 4 sets of "change" blocks, in handy mesh sacks Tape measures - 4, for measuring customer satisfaction, revenue and profitability Construction site signs - 8 reusable cards and 4 mounting stands Carrying case - custom designed for attractiveness and convenience ** Now Available!! ** Designed for larger groups! The expansion kit contains all components necessary to extend the number of constructions teams by two. Two sets of blocks, tape measures, and construction signs are packaged in a convenient mesh carrying sack. Sold only to "Primary Kit" owners. Please contact us for pricing and other information. "Tower Builders Inc. is a beautifully designed learning tool. The process is simple, logical, and it hits the mark every time I use it. The lessons delivered are vivid and memorable, and participants always have a great time. I get nothing but positive feedback when I use Tower Builders Inc." Rob Gilfoyle Consultant OTI Performance Inc. Vancouver, B.C. Contact: Robert_Gilfoyle@telus.net 90 Cassells Drive Beeton, Ontario Canada, L0G 1A0 Tel: (905) 778-8122 Fax: (905) 778-8123 Email: tom@tsnassociates.com