River Crossing

What it is

River Crossing requires clear communication as well as the passing of critical information from person to person. This event will show what happens when there are gaps in communication and the resulting frustration will be a source of long dialogue.

The goal of the exercise is to have the entire team involved, demonstrate the power of teamwork and show the interdependence teams have.

River Crossing requires that groups must cross a 'river' using on the tools available. The entire team must cross at the same time.

At the beginning, the goal (the other side of the river) is clear to everyone. As the team moves into the middle of the river, everyone's perspective changes - some are in front, some in back and no one can see the same thing, or have the same information, as everyone else.

Occassionally mistakes are made and the person in back, or the least likely to lead which is why they are in the back, must now take charge and tell everyone what to do.

Throughout the entire activity, everyone's perspective is constantly changing and the information changes. Communication must be clear to cross the river in time.

Our best results have occurred in groups that are goal setting or going through a change of some kind.

Change is NEVER static, much like a river. And many times, leadership must be shared by many to actually accomplish the goal.

What is the other side of the river for your group?

This is a fun activity that your group will not forget and relates easily back to work.

Listen to an impromptu audio clip describing the benefits of the River Crossing team building activity .

Requires Macromedia Flash Player

What to watch for

• Watch to see how the group communicates before they begin and how that changes in the middle of the river.
• Compare the structure and how that affects communication, leadership, etc.
• In the beginning did they plan in a circle?
• How did things change when they were lined up on the planks?
• What was the biggest problem experienced during this event?
• What did you first think of the exercise and what do you think about it now?

Variations

• For larger groups you can place one member on each one of the 'rocks' and they must be rescued along the way.
• Use the alternative storyline if you like this variation.
• Anyone who steps off the plank and into the river can no longer be used as a resource and is silenced.
• Too much time planning and not enough executing.
• Does the group realize that their perspective changes as soon as they step onto the 'plank' and into the river?