Birds of a Feather

Preparation

Write the letter “T” on an index card. On the next index card write the letter “E”. Continue with the letters “A”, “M”, and “S” on the next three index cards. Prepare enough cards so that each participant will have a card with one of these five letters.

Flow

Distribute the cards. Mix the prepared index cards and give each participant a random card.

Organize into groups. Ask the participants to form groups of five people as quickly as possible. Most participants will form groups with people who have an index card with the same letter as theirs.

Give additional instructions. Ask the participants in each group to form the longest word possible with the letters on their index cards.

Discuss the situation. Point out that the groups that have participants with index cards of the same letter are not able to spell any words. Explain that if the participants had formed themselves into groups with index cards with different letters they would have been able to spell the word “TEAMS”.

Learning Points

• People with diverse backgrounds bring individual talents and resources.
  
• Diverse groups can provide a greater variety of solutions.
  
• Diverse groups are more likely to have positive outcomes in the workplace.