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July 31, 2009 (10:24 AM) by G. Michael Maddock
I went to a high school with hundreds of kids in each class. These numbers made gym class a circus — there were balls flying everywhere. But there are opportunities to learn everywhere, and a technique that our gym teachers and coaches used to help us get in shape is a great way to infuse some energy into your teams — while keeping new and powerful ideas coming from inside your walls.
Our teachers could not possibly create a game that a hundred kids could play, so they divided the gym into quadrants and set up four games that were all coached by a different instructor. At the beginning of class, each coach would describe his game, the challenge and the rules. Then each kid was assigned the game that they would begin playing.
After 15 or so minutes, a whistle would blow and the head coach would yell, “Rotate!” which was the signal for each team to rotate to the next game.
We all got to play four different games, which in turn taught us new skills, kept the day fresh and allowed kids with different talents to show them off in each new game.
This same, simple technique will work wonders inside your company. Formalizing ways for different departments and work teams to “rotate” to focus on fresh challenges creates renewed energy, helps them learn new skills and results in big new ideas.
From a cultural perspective, the energy is key. It is difficult for anyone to do the same things day after day and remain enthusiastic about them. Rotating exercises, be they formal or spontaneous, keeps people fresh and on their toes.
From a practical standpoint, the ideas that result from this can be a differentiating competitive advantage. Consultants are not any smarter than you. They simply have the advantage of objectivity and process on their side. They can look at your challenge without being encumbered by fatigue, politics or any of the paradigms you have developed over the years. Rotating produces the same result.
So, the next time you feel a lack of energy or ideas within your teams, yell “Rotate!” and watch the magic happen.
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