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Not A Knot

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Length of rope sotting ground presenting team puzzle called Not A Knot

Not A Knot

Difficult decision-making task that seeks consensus.

  • Simple set-up
  • Focus on decision-making skills
  • Promotes consensus-making
  • Develops empathy

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In advance, lay a length of rope as illustrated in the diagram, on the floor or table (out of sight of your group.)
  2. Ask your group to gather around the rope.
  3. Announce that, in a few moments, you intend to pull the two ends of the rope, slowly to reveal a knot, or not.
  4. Challenge your group to achieve consensus on whether the rope will end up in a knot, or in a straight, untangled line.
  5. Allow a minute for your group to study the rope, but do not allow them to touch it.
  6. When ready, ask your group to stand to the left if they believe a knot will form, or to the right if they believe the rope will untangle itself.
  7. Expecting two groups to form, invite each person to speak with someone from the other side in an effort to convince them of their viewpoint.
  8. If they choose, allow every person the opportunity to change their minds.
  9. Indeed, as you start to pull the rope ends slowly, invite people to swap sides at any time.
  10. Upon pulling the rope and discovering that there is no knot, invite your group to reflect on their process to make a decision.

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Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (1)

  1. David Piang-Nee

    Really fantastic activity that brings out great conversations on how we come make decisions and how we come to create our beliefs and how far we are willing to stand by those beliefs. This translates into much wider conversations and events in our greater world as well.

    Depending on how you also run the activity can offer perspectives on how we share our values, observations, thoughts and opinions. It can also help offer some insight in our powers of persuasion.

    Very simple demonstration that can lead to very powerful and meaningful conversations and thoughts on how on can perceive the world.

    Reply

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