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Helium Stick

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Three hands and fingers underneath a straight stick as seen in team cooperation challenge Helium Stick

Helium Stick

Team cooperation challenge to develop group coordination.

  • Simple, but not easy
  • Leverages collaboration
  • Focus on goal-setting
  • Highlights integrity & honesty
  • Addictive

Step-by-Step Instructions

This team cooperation challenge creates a difficult task from a seemingly simple goal. Helium Stick reveals how individual actions impact group success as participants work to coordinate their movements. Perfect for leadership training or team development, this challenging initiative requires minimal equipment but delivers powerful learning. The tendency for the object to rise rather than lower creates a problem-solving opportunity. Groups quickly discover the importance of clear communication to achieve their shared goal.

Helium Stick – Team Cooperation Challenge
  1. Locate a lightweight object such as a hula-hoop, tent pole or long stick.
  2. Place the object in the middle of a group, of approx 8 to 12 people, and ask them to place the top edge of one of their pointer fingers underneath it.
  3. Explain that the group’s task is to lower the object slowly to the ground, but with one proviso – the object must remain in physical contact with everyone’s fingers at all times.
  4. If one or more fingers release their touch from the object as it is being lowered, the task must start over.
  5. Allow ample time for your group to experiment, plan and discuss a possible solution.

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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 (1)

  1. David Piang-Nee

    One of those activities especially with the young ones that can bring out frustrations and conflict which can be used to open up conversations around persistence/ resilience, support and understanding, effective communication, contribution and working toward common goals.

    It might take the group a bit of time to do the activity or they may smash it in. It will really depend on the team and the contribution of every team member. It does sound easy in practice but quite the challenge when you actually do it.

    Reply

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