Build a Bridge

At-a-Glance

Build a Bridge is a half-day program (3.5-4 hours) and can be facilitated indoors at almost any location.

Teams of 6- 8 receive instructions, design parameters and building supplies, then develop a design concept and construction plan. Once the plan is complete, the teams split in half and go to separate rooms to construct symmetrical halves of the bridges. During the construction phase, the two halves can only communicate via simulated text, email and phone calls to ensure that the two halves of the bridge will be symmetrical. Next the teams come back together to attach the two halves of the bridge. The final step is to have the teams present their bridges, where they are assessed on their aesthetic value and ability to hold weight without breaking.

We complete the event by debriefing the day’s experiences, drawing parallels to workplace dynamics.

The Facilitators’ Role

Prep

• Review all pre-program communication & instructions in detail.

Logistics

• Releases: collect and review for skipped signatures, cross-outs and missing dates; communicate with lead facilitator as needed.
• Supplies: distribute according to plan.
• Safety: close open utility knives and keep an eye on possible damage to tables, floors or carpets when cutting.
• Photos: take pictures throughout program, pictures of teams posing with their bridges, and most important and often forgotten, a final large group photo.

Facilitation

• Lead facilitator introduces the program.
• Be a super star! Be proactive and anticipate needs. This is not a time to socialize with facilitators; our clients’ perception of our involvement in the program and our professionalism will be higher if you engage with the teams.
• Facilitators float, coach and encourage teams during design process, clarifying instructions and observing. During the construction stage, facilitators manage the communication flow (simulated text, email & phone calls) between teams. You may be a timekeeper or possibly a note-taker.
• Help organize the teams as Lead facilitator wraps up program by asking teams to showcase, test and judge the bridges.

Clean-up

• Pack supplies for return shipping (make sure to close all knives) and throw away debris. Teams often choose to hold on to bridges as a souvenir, otherwise these can be thrown away.

Why Build a Bridge is Such a Great Program!

• Groups learn about resource sharing and allocation, cycle time, collaboration and brainstorming.
• It helps teams become better innovators by igniting their creative energy as they dream and build a novel creation while the clock ticks.
• Moving through the stages of “product development,” they’ll renew their excitement and commitment while collaborating in a fun, lively setting.
• The “two halves to the bridge” option simulates the dynamics that far-flung (or remote) teams encounter as they rely so heavily on email, fax and phone to communicate and collaborate.