GAME #34: Looking for a Leader

Game	Opener	Team-building
Categories:	Energizer	Review
	Communication	Topical

 Purpose: To break the ice and show participants how leadership can affect an entire organization.

 Time Required: 10 minutes.

 Size of Group: Unlimited.

 Materials Required: None.

 The Exercise in Action: Larry Cox, manager of training and development, CSX Transportation, Jacksonville, FL, presents this scenario to small groups at the outset of a session: The president of our company has just resigned, and we’re looking for a new leader. We have received several inquiries from people interested in the position, and the class has been chosen to determine which person should have the job.

Cox then gives one name to each group that he’s prepared in advance and tells them to come up with five actions or steps the group feels that person would take to bring the company more in line with his or her personality and what it would mean to the firm. Some of the names he has assigned to small groups include Madonna, Dr. Ruth, Elvis, Jimmie Swaggart, Walt Disney, Oprah. Once the groups finish, each presents its findings to the entire class, which then selects a “new” president from the candidates.