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The Barter Puzzle

The Barter Puzzle is a team challenge where small groups are given puzzle pieces, but some of the pieces they need are held by other teams. To succeed, teams must negotiate, trade, or collaborate. It’s a great exercise in communication, strategy, and intergroup cooperation.

Mechanics:

Construction, Head-to-Head, Market, Negotiation, Observation, Puzzle, Race, Real-time, Resource Management, Simultaneous Action,

Dynamics:

Attention, Confidence, Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, Curiosity, Emotional Intelligence, Initiative, Integrity, Multitasking, Organization, Persuasion, Self Advocacy, Skill-building, Strategy Development, Teamwork,

HOW TO PLAY

Written Instructions:

Coming Soon

Play Personalities

Explorer, Competitor, Director, Collector,

As a Physical Game

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As a Digital Game

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As an Opener

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As a Core Activity

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As a Closer

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FACILITATION SUPPORT

An Expert in Your Pocket

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Buy / Access

N/A (jigsaw puzzles for each team)

DIY Notes:

Variations

> Different sized puzzles 

> Constrained trading rules

Pulse Check

Q - Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought? 

Q - Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged? 

Q - Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve process or results?

How

Position the reflection around pathways and resources for accomplishing goals and future growth: 

Q - How did the team organize itself around the rules and objectives? 

Q - Did conflict or miscommunication affect the game? How might you address that for next time? 

Q - Would more time, people, or resources have shifted the team's approach? How so?

Act

Position the reflection around the need to be in motion and see measurable progress: 

Q - How did your team define success? What indicated you were on the right track? 

Q - What game insights can you apply to better handle future times of crisis or uncertainty? 

Q - Did this game give you any ideas about how to activate team skills and resources in new ways?

Have feedback? Offer your thoughts here:

Learning Preambles

COMING SOON

Connected Playlists

How  |  Act

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