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Mirrors reality when seemingly simple things go wrong. Reveals fundamentals for building an effective workforce.
This Northgate training activity comes with a licence for repeat use with up to 12 participants per training session within your organisation. Please ask for a discount for use with larger groups.
12 (split into three teams)
1.25 hours + debrief
Not required
£395
In stock
Delivery charges apply per order (not per item).
Delivery charges do not apply to digital downloads.
(normally next working day)
£15
(1-2 working days)
£29
(1-5 working days)
£39
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Participants work in three teams representing Managers, Supervisors and Production Staff of a toy company. Management receive a request for samples to be made, so they must brief the Supervisors and the Supervisors in turn must brief Production Staff (who are already engaged on another job).
The lines of communication are short, the task simple, the deadline adequate – and yet the problems multiply exponentially and all too soon the deadline comes and goes – and no samples appear! What went wrong, how similar is this to what happens at work? What procedures could help to improve things and ensure a much more positive outcome?
I love all your products! Using the 'Managing the Workforce' training activity in our session on transitioning from a content-contributor to a manager to a leader brought out some great learning points. The participants immersed themselves in the very-real struggle of each role: the managers were making decisions with incomplete information, the supervisors were running around trying to coordinate resources and information, and the production staff wanted to get the job done. Even further, each participant uncovered their own natural tendencies. It was a double-learning in management AND self-awareness.
Songya Kesler, Leadership Consultant & Coach,
I used 'Managing the Workforce' last week with middle managers in a shoe factory. The result was frankly unbelievable. You mention in the Trainer's Notes that the task is simple but the managers do not succeed - and this was the case. The Production Staff produced some excellent dice but failed to finish even one complete sample. There was complete breakdown in communication between the Managers and Supervisors and between Supervisors and the Production Team. The discussion that followed was quite exceptional - and the insight, learning and feedback was so powerful. I was amazed. Instead of feeling any sense of failure the group recognised that this was exactly what happened in reality. But, importantly, during this activity they could appreciate the role and feeling of their supervisors and, above all, their production staff. I have always had great debriefs and learning from Northgate exercises but this one produced astounding results. I congratulate you on a superb simulation.
Peter Chapman, Director, Peter Chapman International
Northgate Activities always add a further dimension to enhance the learning experience. In "Managing the Workforce" there is a safe environment 'to bring out the leader in you'. It also shows how communication is essential and that teams need to step back to see the bigger picture. And the outcome may not be what the group expected!
Peter Mistretta, Learning and Development Manager, Center Parcs
£295
FIVE punchy team assessment activities - all in one pack - that assess team and leadership skills. Excellent value for money.
£395
High performing teams don’t make it by accident. They know their key results areas, have stringent goals and are willing to take responsibility.
£450
AirLift! is a very popular team training exercise which raises awareness on how to split jobs into mini-tasks, delegate the parts and ensure communication is maintained throughout. Ideal to quickly assess team problem-solving competencies - and a range of other team skills.
£595
In this teamwork & planning training activity (for face-to-face classrooms) teams have to plan a complex project and present their findings in a way that will achieve results. Ideal for developing project planning and teamwork skills. Realistic, motivating, challenging!
£295
This 30 minute activity is an ideal training activity to demonstrate the need for teams to manage their time, be accurate and work together. Great as a starter or icebreaker, or for use as part of a teamwork, time management or communication skills course.
£1,250
The activity with the WOW factor and a bestseller! Eldorado! prepares staff to go back to work understanding why a 'silo' mentality is counter-productive and the value of seeing the organisation as ONE BIG TEAM. Ideal conference or away-day activity.
£795
**FOR USE IN VIRTUAL & FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING SESSIONS** Straightforward, interactive simulation with basic P&L output. Use to introduce basic business skills and assess business acumen.
£395
An effective teamwork training activity that reminds teams to focus on what the customer wants rather than relying on what they think the customer wants.
£395
A fun team activity that encompasses teamwork, planning, strategy, risk analysis - and an element of luck!
£395
Competitive and fun team activity - with a practical element. Encourages teams to be realistic as well as creative.
£350
**FOR USE IN VIRTUAL & FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING SESSIONS** A great test of teamwork! The Pyramid Game is a simple test of a team's ability to get organised, manage a project and present a good case. *This activity is supplied digitally via the Northgate Trainerhub. No delivery charges apply.*
£250
These Teamwork Cards (part of Northgate's Management Cards series) show what teamwork is all about and why it's so crucial to success.
£450
This challenging and popular activity encourages teams to cooperate rather than compete, to share information rather than hoard it and to work together for ultimate success. An out-of-world experience! But how much time is wasted in competing before the penny drops?
£395
A collaborative teamwork activity which identifies key lessons to improve communication skills in the workplace. Teams are told they must plan together - but will they really take it on board, in time?!
£395
The original RollaBall! activity! A very popular teamwork and communication skills activity - RollaBall! emphasises the need for departments to work together for a common goal.
£495
**FOR USE IN VIRTUAL & FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING SESSIONS** Highlights key elements in the decision-making process. Gives teams practice at reaching consensus when faced with tricky decisions. Excellent for developing decision-making skills. Topseller. *This activity is supplied digitally via the Northgate Trainerhub. No delivery charges apply.*
£450
Not just for selling and negotiating. To achieve work objectives, without upsetting everyone(!), we all need basic influencing skills.
£250
Ideal starter activity which identifies those with leadership potential and those who understand the benefits of cooperative working. Great fun! Highly revealing!
£395
A fun, problem-solving activity with a construction element. TeamBuild! brings teams together to solve problems and work together for a common goal.
