| Game |  Opener |
Team-building |
| Categories: |  Energizer |
Review |
| Communication |
Topical |
Purpose: To show participants the consequences of jumping to conclusions and making assumptions without careful consideration.
Time Required: 10 minutes.
Size of Group: Unlimited.
Materials Required: A prepared transparency (see graphic below).
The Exercise in Action: John Erwin, a consultant for Master Planning Group International in Edina, MN, posts the following addition problem on a transparency, but reveals only the top figure:
He tells the group that the object of the game is for the class as a whole to add each number from top to bottom, saying the total aloud as he reveals the subsequent numbers. As he uncovers the last figure, Erwin asks the class for a total. Most of the participants blurt out, “5,000.” He repeats the process a few more times and then uncovers all figures so they can see them all at once. They then discover that the sum is 4,100.
Erwin discusses with the class how easy it is to come to a conclusion that seems crystal clear, yet still be completely wrong. He reminds participants to stay open-minded and to look at all options before passing judgment.