Here's a fun exercise to do with your team, some team motivation - especially after a long week or to kick off some strategic planning sessions...

The Exercise Explained

Start by giving everyone a piece of paper and something to write with.

Then, set a timer for 60 seconds and have everyone write down as many sequential numbers as they can in that time. 

Assess the results.

Next, explain that they will be doing the same exercise once more, but this time, the person with the most numbers written will receive a special perk (a gift card, lunch, etc).

The Result?

If all goes according to plan, you should see an increase (often significant) in the highest number written down from the first round of the exercise to the second. 

Regardless of the winner, each team member should have beaten their original number written.

The Point to Share with Them

We often operate at a speed that feels like our peak, when in fact, when excitement and motivations are applied, we are capable of quite more.

A Word of Caution

Now, I would not suggest that you use this exercise as a segue into a "you should be doing more..." speech. 

Instead, use it as an opportunity to reflect and share what things excite your team and give them joy to do.  

This, in turn (and explained by this exercise), will lead to higher outputs, a happier, and fulfilled/productive set of team members.

Your Turn!

Give it a shot with your team and let me know how it works out! 

Thank you for reading and have a great week!