Blind Baseball Diamonds
Facilitator Notes
This is an exercise which can be used in conjunction with Chapter 5 on organizational structures
and roles. Since the instructor assigns no roles, the students need to figure out how to work
together with no assigned roles. Usually, one or two students emerge as leaders, telling the
other students where to stand and who is “first base,” second, etc.
Needed equipment:
a. Materials shaped in a rectangle that can be folded twice and used to blindfold half of the class.
b. A rope that is about 20 feet long.
Time: approximately 40 minutes.
Activity: Blindfolded students form a baseball diamond.
Purpose: The purpose of this next activity is for us to explore roles and communications in an activity.
We need to push all of the chairs to the very edges of the room and leave ourselves a very large open
space. I will also appreciate it if you help me put these chairs back into rows when we finish.
We need two groups for this exercise. Please count off: 1, 2, 1, 2, etc.
Blindfolds: Because this is an exercise in which verbal communication is critical, I will ask you to place a
blindfold over your eyes, Group #1.
OK. No debrief at this moment.
Group #2: It is now your turn to form a baseball diamond. However, your task is more complex: you
must blow up balloons—or tie ties—and tie them at home plate, first, second, and third bases. You, too,
have 10 minutes.
Debrief: How did you personally respond to the problem?
Group #1: What insights helped your group to solve the problem? Or, did someone take an action that
helped the group solve the problem?
What lessons might you draw about communications in a team?
Group #2: Ask the same questions.
What can you apply from this exercise to your work on change management?
Notes to instructors: