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Man jumping as part of group initiative turnstyles rope with two others watching from the sidelines

Turnstyles

Energetic group initiative to teach systems-thinking.

  • Raises energy
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Promotes creativity
  • Focus on continuous improvement

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Gather your group in a wide, open and flat space.
  2. Extend a skipping rope between you and a volunteer.
  3. With your group standing to one side of the rope, start rotating the rope.
  4. Challenge your group to pass to the other side of the rope, one person at a time, without touching the rope.
  5. Next, repeat the task, but this time, each person must jump the rope as they pass.
  6. One new person must jump each consecutive rotation of the rope.
  7. With each successful, consecutive jump, the group scores a point.
  8. If the rope rotates fully without a new person jumping it, the count returns to zero.
  9. Set your group a target to achieve, or invite them to set one for themselves.
  10. Allow ample time for your group to plan, discuss and problem-solve the exercise.
  11. Invite your group to reflect on their process at the end.

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Contributor

Add your Comments...

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 (2)

  1. neilmercer

    I have a further development to share regarding this game. After the group has gone under the rope (Stage 1) and over the rope to the other side (Stage 2), my 3rd stage is as follows:

    The task is now against the clock.

    Your objective as a team is for every team member to pass under the rope and then over it, as it is being rotated, in the fastest possible time.
    If there is a rotation without anyone passing across, that’s OK, you may continue, it’ll just take more time.
    The people holding and rotating the rope must also pass through, i.e., they must be replaced by other team members.
    The timer starts when the first person passes to the other side. It stops when everyone has crossed both under the rope, then over it.

    You find many different solutions to this task – running under on one side of the turnstile and jumping over on the other side. However, the most very extremely fastest solution is for everyone to line up along the rope, have it swung over their heads and all jumping it at the same time. Of course… don’t forget the rope swingers. They, too, must make the crossing – if you, dear facilitator, should choose so!)

    Please note: Rope rotators (ropetators?) should be given instruction regarding their role. They are not intended to make the task harder than it already is. They should rotate the rope slowly and loosely so that a fair amount of it hits the ground on every turn – thus reducing the chance of anyone tripping over it.

    One other safety instruction. If there is a hint that anyone could trip and fall, the rope holders must simply let go of the rope and let it fall. That attempt will be restarted. This should be communicated to all the group members, not just to the holders of the rope.

    • Mark Collard

      Awesome stuff Neil. I think I have seen this variation elsewhere and I’m so glad you have shared it here. I too concur with the advice re the “ropetators” dropping the rope at the first sign of tripping trouble.

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