awakening leaders

AWKENEING LEADERS: Leadership Workshop Guide

Submitted to Project Manager

Jamal Mohamed Mohamed Niswi Sarvodaya Headquarters, “Damsak Mandira”

No 98, Rawatawatta Road, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Submitted by Meron Kebede & Krystal Le

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States

16 July 2014

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW Intended Audience & Background Information: This workshop intends to identify and explore the leadership qualities that will contribute to the success of the staff members affiliated with Sarvodaya. Building on the philosophy of Sarvodaya Sharmadana Movement, Sri Lanka's largest non-governmental organization, this workshop aims to nurture the sharing of one’s knowledge, time and energy in the workplace. Workshop Goal: The purpose of this workshop is to:

Ø define and show different aspects of leadership Ø reinforce critical communication and time management skills in the workplace Ø promote problem solving, critical thinking and verbal reasoning skills when handling a

presented task Ø encourage teamwork and collaboration Ø cultivate the different leadership qualities of all participants Ø demonstrate the process and guidelines that must be taken when faced with immediate or

critical decisions in the workplace Ø discuss the importance of motivation and enthusiasm within the workplace Ø identify strategies for prioritizing, setting and communicating goals in the workplace Ø provide a non-conventional, fun and engaging learning opportunity

Trainer roles and Responsibilities: The facilitator of the workshop is required to articulately present information and debrief the many activities that this workshop entails. Some probing questions will be provided for the trainer, however, the trainer must always remain alert so that he/she can add relevant thought-provoking questions and provide additional insights during the debrief discussions and reflections. Discussion and reflections are essential components of the learning process and are highly encouraged in this workshop. In cases where intriguing and beneficial discussion take place, the facilitator should not cut it short in favor of time. However, he/she needs to be aware that he/she needs to make up time in another section of the workshop. Further, the trainer/facilitator is an integral and critical factor in the success of this workshop. Therefore, his/her enthusiasm and effort to involve participants in the learning events are what makes the difference between average session and an outstanding one that will impact and improve the performance of the participants.

The facilitator must remember these important points and suggestions and try to incorporate them throughout his/her delivery:

Ø There is more to training than telling. People don’t automatically learn by pouring out everything you know at them. The learner needs to become mentally and physically involved in the learning event.

Ø Keep the training lively and engaging. Ø People learning by doing. This includes discussing, figuring out, rehearsing, answering

questions, thinking aloud and coming up with examples. Ø Relax and have fun. Training does not have to be serious 100% of the time in order to get

results. In fact, a little well-placed levity can promote a positive training atmosphere

Workshop Preparation: Organization and preparation which are vital components of leadership are needed to lead a successful workshop. Listed below are few suggestions that will help in preparing for this session.

Ø The trainer must carefully read the facilitator notes of each activity before conducting the workshop

Ø Gather all materials needed to conduct the workshop Ø Gather information about the potential workshop site: Ø Size of room to make sure there is adequate space for number of

participants to work in small groups Ø Room must be setup so that there are no more than four or five participants

per table (see Figure 1). Ø Audio visual equipment

Figure 1: Recommended Workshop Site Setup

Module Materials

Ø Participant’s Guide/Agenda Ø Copies of course evaluation Ø Flipchart paper and stand Ø Markers Ø Pens Ø Projection system for slides Ø A Stick Ø Newspapers Ø 1 long rope Ø Blindfolds Ø Notebooks Ø One color print out of each image in section 5 (total print out: 3)

Other materials needed:

Ø Sign-in sheet for participants Ø Name tags

Agenda and Delivery Time Estimates

This workshop is approximately four to five hours of instructional time. The times below are estimated instructional time for each section of activities and do not include breaks or lunches. Generally, throughout the workshop, one ten-minute breaks should be given. If the workshop falls within lunch, 60-minute lunch break should be given.

Activity & Time Topics and Skills covered Welcome & Introduction

Ø Facilitator introduction(s) Ø What does it mean to be a Leader? Ø Icebreaker Activity: Your Most

Admired Leader Ø Characteristics of Leaders

Workshop Activity No.1 Ø Problem Solving

Ø Planning Ø Communication Ø Focus

Workshop Activity No.2

Ø Creative thinking Ø Communication Ø Teamwork Ø Creativity

Break Ø Break/ Refreshments Workshop Activity No.3

Ø Creative thinking Ø Communication Ø Teamwork Ø creativity


Ø Communication Ø Active listening Ø Interpretation Ø Clarity


Ø Critical thinking Ø Reasoning Ø Communication Ø Presentation skills

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

Trainer Introduction and Notes:

As participants enter the workshop room, they will pick up the agenda of the program in the materials section as shown in Figure 1. Before proceeding to any activity, the facilitator will introduce him/herself and briefly describe his/her background. In this section, the facilitator lays the groundwork for the leadership workshop. This includes the purpose of the workshop and its intended objectives. Further, this section includes discussions of fundamental questions such as:

Ø What is leadership? Ø What are the characteristics of leaders?

These are brief discussions and should be facilitated as a whole group. Encourage participants to express their viewpoints and opinions and transition to the next activity.

Facilitator’s Transition: looking at the list we have created, let’s move on to an icebreaker activity.

Icebreaker:

Icebreaker Activity: Your Most Admired Leader

Ø Introduce yourself: name, district and position

Ø “Introduce” the admired leader you identify with

Ø Name ONE specific leadership quality that makes him/her stand out.

Instructions: identify an individual that you consider to be a great leader (living or deceased, famous or not). Consider the traits that make this person such an admirable leader. Each participant will introduce themselves and also “introduce” to the whole group the leader they deem excellent. Then the participants state one specific leadership quality that makes him/her stand out.

Debrief activity/Facilitator notes:

Ø Draw two columns on a flip chart. As participants make their introductions, record the name of the leader identified in one column and the one leadership quality identified in the other.

Facilitator transition: Based on the list created on the flipchart, ask this question: are leaders born, or are they made?

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

Activity No. 1: Helium Stick

Objective: Lower the aluminum tent pole to the ground.

Skills Developed: Problem Solving, Planning, Communication, Focus

Group Size: 8-20 (depending on the length of the stick)

Time length: 20-50 minutes

Materials: A Stick

Ideas for sticks (rough guidelines):

Ø rolled sheets of newspaper Ø straightened out wired coat hangers Ø taped drinking straws Ø broom stick

Set Up / Preparation:

1. Divide your group in half and then have them create two parallel lines where the lines are facing each other. The lines are close to each other (approximately 12 – 18 inches apart). The members of each line stand shoulder to shoulder.

2. Once the two lines are formed, everyone holds out their index fingers at waist level.

3. You (the facilitator) then announce to the group that you will be placing a long stick on

top of their fingers. THIS PART IS IMPORTANT - - when you place the stick on their fingers, do so from behind and in the middle of one of the lines ALWAYS KEEPING YOUR HAND ON TOP OF THE STICK to prevent the group from raising the pole in the air. Apply enough pressure on top of the pole to prevent the group from lifting it up. It seems every group I’ve worked with wants to raise the tent pole with their fingers even before they understand or know the directions.

4. Finally, with your hand on top of the stick, you will give them the following directions: “Your directions are as follows…as a group, you must lower this stick to the ground without even a single person on the team losing contact with the stick. Should someone lose contact with the stick, you must start again.” Then, release your hand from the stick.

Rules:

Ø No one may lose contact with the stick; if anyone loses contact with the stick the entire group must start again.

Ø The starting position is with the stick at waist level. Ø Both index fingers must be used and only the index fingers may be used. The index

fingers must be placed below the stick. Ø Nothing else is allowed to touch the stick (other than the ground at the end of the

activity).

Safety Warning:

The ends of the tent pole can be dangerous if the pole starts moving quickly and hits someone in the face. Take precautions to prevent injury.

Facilitator Notes:

1. This is a VERY CHALLENGING activity. Do not do this with groups in serious conflict.

2. Here’s what typically happens in this activity: When you (the facilitator) give the directions and then release the pole, the group will often times RAISE the pole (not lower it)! The group will usually laugh and find this somewhat strange. It’s likely to take several attempts to just keep the tent pole steady (not lowering or raising).

3. This is a communication intensive activity where each person must be absolutely committed to doing his or her part. People will likely get frustrated and it’s common for some blaming to occur.

4. The group will likely throw out many ideas on how to solve this challenge. What it usually comes down to is the entire group focusing, doing their job with the direction of one leader. Groups that have the most difficulty are usually all talking at once.

5. You may have to stop this activity several times mid-stream to help the group process how they are approaching this activity.

Debriefing & Reflection Questions:

Ø Why did the stick rise when you wanted it to go down? Ø Did you anticipate this problem? Ø How did you fix this problem? Ø How might you coach others to do this task? Ø What are some parallels you can draw between this activity and your workplace

Activity No. 2: The Tower

Objective: To build the highest free standing tower that will hold a notebook off the ground.

Skills Developed: Creative thinking, communication, teamwork, listening

Group Size: 3-5 people within a group

Time length: 20-40 minutes.

Materials: A stack newspaper per group, a notebook per group


1. Distribute the same materials (the same stack of newspaper and notebook) to participants.

2. Then, you will give each group the following directions: “Your directions are as follows…as a group, you must use the newspaper provided and no other materials, to construct the tallest free standing tower that holds the notebook that they are given.

3. The activity is given only 15 minutes. The team with the tallest structure and supports the

notebook will be the winner of the challenge. Rules:

Ø Only newspapers are allowed to construct the structure. The notebook may not be used when building the structure.

Facilitator Notes:

1. Incidentally the best technical approach to this task almost certainly requires the construction and use of connectable tubular rolled or triangular telescopic sections, made from lengthways strips of newspaper.


1. Who took the initiative to plan before starting to build? 2. What innovative approaches did each group use to complete the activity? 3. What observations could be made about high-risk and low-risk approaches? 4. What effects did time pressure have on each group’s performance? 5. Would each team be able to improve their results at a second attempt? How and why? 6. What transferable skills from this activity can be implemented into the workplace?

Activity No. 3: Blind Square

Objective: To have the blindfolded group form a square and/or a triangle, using a rope

Skills Developed: Creative thinking, communication, teamwork, creativity

Group Size: 8-10 people within a group


Materials: A long rope tied into a circle, a blindfold for each participant


1. The group begins by forming a circle facing the center and putting on blindfolds.

2. Each person picks up the rope, which has been tied into a circle around each participant. (everyone should be standing on the outside of the rope)

3. Using the rope, they form either a square or a triangle.

Rules:

Ø The rope must always be in the participant’s hands.

Facilitator Notes:

1. Observe the different methods, especially ways of communication, that will take place during this activity.

Debriefing & Reflection Questions

1. How did each group approach this activity i.e who took control? 2. What leadership skills were conveyed? 3. Discuss the role of teamwork

Activity No. 4: Paper Doilies

Objective: To produce similar paper doilies

Skills Developed: Communication, active listening, interpretation, clarifying questions techniques

Group Size: 2 people within a group


Materials: Newspaper


1. This exercise can be carried out in pairs with several pairs playing the game at the same time, or one pair playing and the remainder of the group observing.

2. Two participants sit back to back. Each participant has a piece of newspaper. 3. The facilitator reads out loud pre-prepared instructions to the participants as to how the

student is to fold and tear/cut their sheet of newspaper. The instructions must be read out exactly as they appear on the instructions sheet with no additional comments.

4. After the instructions have been completed, the team members turn and face each other, unfold their sheets and compare their paper doilies, which will look quite different, even though each has been made from the same instructions.

Instruction Sheet: The points in the parenthesis are notes for the facilitator to help with the debriefing and reflection.

1. Fold the paper in half horizontally (this depends on what way the sheet is held and could be interpreted to be folded along the landscape or portrait axis)

2. Fold in half again diagonally (again, this is open to interpretation - normally an asymmetrical fold corner-to-corner).

3. Fold in half again vertically (again, this is open to interpretation). 4. Tear off 2cm of the sharpest corner with a straight tear. 5. Tear off 1cm of the opposite with a curved tear (curved what way? - again this is open to

interpretation). 6. Unfold the paper and compare your doily with your partner's doily.

Rules:

Ø The participants cannot discuss or ask for further explanation. Ø Participants must not see what the other is doing while the exercise is under way.

Facilitator Notes:

1. Do this activity beforehand to ensure smooth execution

2. Observe how each group chose to communicate.


1. Which pairs produced identical paper doilies? 2. Why were some groups unable to end up with the exact same doilies? 3. What instructions were the least helpful and why? 4. How could these instructions have been made clearer? 5. What leadership skills were conveyed?

Extension:

As an extension of the exercise ask everyone in their pairs, to re-write their own instructions to guarantee production of two identical doilies.

Activity No. 5: Critical Analysis

Objective: To engage participants in critical thinking and reasoning.

Skills Developed: Critical thinking, reasoning, communication, and presentation skills

Group Size: Groups of three


Materials: Picture (provided below)


1. Distribute one of these pictures among the three groups.

2. Allow each group around 10 minutes to collaboratively analyze and interpret the message their picture is trying to convey.

3. Have each group select one spokesperson that will present their interpretation. This should take about 3 minutes each.

Facilitator Notes:

Ø Encourage everyone’s engagement and contribution in the analysis process. Ø These illustrations are thought-provoking and convey social, political and technological

strains of today’s society. Ø There is no right or wrong answer. The purpose is to illicit logical and rational reasoning.

Debriefing Questions:

Ø Reflect on the group’s analysis: what was difficult? What were the benefits of collective analysis?

Ø Were there any disagreements when analyzing the illustrations within your group? If so, how was it resolved?

Ø How did you manage to persuade or convey your ideas to your group? Ø How did you choose which interpretations to present? Did you present all your discussed

ideas? Ø Did any of your group member’s analysis surprise you or opened your mind to different

perspectives? Ø How did you select your spokesperson?

CONCLUSION:

Facilitator Notes:

As a concluding thought, ask all of your participants this rhetorical question:

Ø Would you follow yourself?

The participants should reflect upon this question individually; it is not meant to be discussed. As your participants reflect upon this question, introduce the next activity.

Last activity:

Ø Ask participants to provide evaluations and Feedback about the workshop on a piece of paper

Ø This will help improve the workshop for future participants

Congratulate and thank all your participants for attending and actively taking part in the workshop. Stress and restate the critical aspects of the workshop and its correlation to the workplace.

REFERENCES

Ø http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk Ø http://www.buzzle.com/articles/leadership-activities-for-groups.html Ø http//www.outsideyourelement.org/mrteo/adventure_files/top-4-high-impact-team-and-

leadership-activites.pdf Ø http://www.businessballs.com/teambuildinggames.htm Ø http://www.griffth.edu.au/_data/assests/pdf_file/0006/338550/Program-leader-facilitator-

guide.pdf Ø http://ncwwi.org/files/Leadership_and_Management/Leadership_Trainers_Guide_-

_GA.pdf Ø http://inspireamaze.com/these-29-clever-drawings-will-make-you-question-everything-

wrong-with-the-world/

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