Communication Skills
Mission Improbable
An excellent way for teams to learn to communicate effectively, to share information and objectives and to work together for a win win outcome. Great fun and well liked by participants and Trainers.
How it works
Each team has to get some eggs to a given destination in the Lakes carrying them on a stretcher-like device. The two teams are apart and linked only by intercom (supplied with pack). This is vital because each has information about the other team’s destination. To encourage co-operation each team is informed that it is their combined final score that counts. Clearly supportive communication between the two camps is essential. Did I say ‘clearly’?
What it does
It’s not always clear at all! The teams’ natural urges to compete, be suspicious, even hostile – all get in the way of objective planning. Teams that stand any chance of success will take on board the need for co-operation and managing an effective communication system. Good teams think laterally and discover an elegant option for their plans.
Customer feedback
We regularly use 'Mission Improbable' to test competencies and highlight development needs.
– D. Callow-Evans, Ministry of Defence
We used 'Mission Improbable' recently with a group that already confessed to having communication problems. Perhaps predictably enough the exercise descended into chaos. The session was a resounding success.
– L. Thompson, Professionsl Coaching Services
A great activity for communication and for addressing team cooperation issues. The sub-teams often want to go it alone!
– G. Davies, Consulatnt