Leadership & Management

Help speed up interactions and conversation in groups that need a spark to ignite them!

ExpressPack is an image/metaphor-based tool in the form of a pack of 53 playing cards. The wide range of photo images included provides an excellent resource to help trainers and coaches help individuals and groups to truly "Express" themselves and engage in stimulating conversations. Pictures allow individuals to express their needs and viewpoints more openly and quickly.

USES for this versatile pack are limited only by your imagination, but here are some suggestions:

Personal Development / Coaching
Cards can be used to assist individuals in their personal development. This may be in a coaching scenario, in a mentoring role, as a Manager in business, as a Youth or Community Worker or simply with someone you would like to help. A sample question might be: "Identify one card which represents where you are now, and one where you would like to be in the future." Once they have chosen their cards, ask them to express their thoughts and feelings about the cards. Once this has been done, you could ask the individual to identify a card which represents the first step on this journey.

Introductions/Getting groups started
Facilitators and trainers know what it's like to be in a room with a group where the conversations are not flowing! Often this happens at the start of a day, when the individuals are just scoping out the group and how they will contribute. ExpressPack is a great way of starting the day and helping a natural flow into other ideas you may want to introduce. For example, lay out a pack of cards and get individuals to pick a card which they think relates to them in some way and use it to introduce themselves.

Change
Change is happening all the time, individuals are developing, organizations are changing, global issues are affecting us all. Change, therefore, is part of life and a subject which can be explored using ExpressPack. Ask an individual or team, prior to a change initiative, to identify a card which represents the state of the organization now and another to show how they would like it to be in the future.

Leadership and Management Development
Leaders and Managers need to help bring clarity to situations. Some useful starting questions might include: "Pick 5 cards which represent your vision of what is important to you in your role?"

Teams
Any work with teams usually needs to focus initially on a clarity of joint understanding. A useful question dependent upon the stage of team development might be: "Pick a number of cards which illustrate your expectations of this team."

View Video Demo!

Ideal group size: 2-8

Boxed set of 53 playing cards 2 inches x 3.5 inches. A carefully researched and designed group learning activity from RSVP Design. The images were created by talented photographers and trainers Simon Whalley and Tony Wright.

Learning activities perfectly suited to your content!

The closer learning is to real work situations, the better the learning transfers to the real world.

Real-world relevance is why LearningSim's 5-Step Simulations strike the perfect balance of complexity, engagement, power, and ease of use.

Pick up one of these mini-simulations or role-play scenarios. Use them "as is"; or tweak them to your content and training needs. This robust collection contains 35 files and templates with more than 50 scenarios on topics such as decision making, ethics, customer service, giving feedback, negotiation, sales skills, leadership, safety, presentation skills, and more. Plus you'll find instructions and templates on the essential steps to prepare, present, facilitate, and debrief the experiences for maximum learning.

Durations: 30-120 mins. Downloadable file includes 300+ pgs. of reproducible content. MS Word files. Single User license.

View Table of Contents

What You Get

• 28 Ready-to-use training simulations in 16 topics, each with facilitator, learner, and partner material
• Editable Microsoft Word files filled with simulation content
• Sample simulation template in Articulate Storyline (.story) file format
• Trainer and designer guides and templates with helpful suggestions on how to blend 5-Step Simulations into existing courses and training programs
• All included in a singlecost-effective license that fits your needs

New in Version 2!

• Articulate Storyline simulation example (with .story file)
• 6 new simulations, now including safety topics
• Templates for writing your own 5-Step Simulations
• The 1-page "Sneaky Training Technique" template

This is a downloadable product. After you make your purchase, you will receive a link where you can download the software.

Look under your thumb and share!

The Be a Leader Thumball gets the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement.

This ball contains 32 panels including both reflective and forward-thinking prompts! Players share their reaction to whatever prompt lies beneath their thumb.

BE A LEADER THUMBALL PROMPTS

In this unique Leadership Thumball, find a full range of conversation starters, including:

• Leadership traits that I have or aspire to have in myself and my team
• Ways to motivate, inspire, and recognize employee contributions
• Methods for dealing with disagreement, decision making, and mistakes
• Reflections on challenges, frustrations, delegation, and impatience
• Approaches to promote growth and learning
• Techniques to get buy-in, promote diversity, and share feedback
  
  

[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]

FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS

Some seem to be born leaders; others must work at it. No matter who you are, you'll be a better leader if you take time to reflect on past experiences, discuss future goals, and identify ways to engage your group. The Be a Leader Thumball is a discussion tool to help you develop key leadership qualities and identify specific ways to communicate your vision, spread enthusiasm, build your team's esteem, seek broad perspectives, and more.

Be flexible

Expect to adapt your use of this tool to the needs and experience of your group. Some may be able to give quick or pat answers to a prompt; others might want to take some time to discuss or brainstorm best practices; still others might benefit from delving into a conversation about the implied leadership quality in order to discuss why it's important. If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or request a DISCUSSION about why it matters.

Options

• Discuss similarities or differences in replies.
• Have everyone respond to the same prompt.
• Discuss the long-term implications of various actions.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

MORE RESOURCES

• Tips & Suggestions on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
• How Deep to Discuss
• 7 Tips to formulate great questions
• More tools for great conversations
• Discover Your Thumball Style
• How Deep to Discuss Infographic

The Developing Mentors & Coaches Thumball takes players through a playful activity that explores their personality and preferences on a range of topics. It's a creative way to get to know each other a bit better.

Many are called upon to coach or mentor a colleague, friend, or “newbie,” with little understanding of what effective coaching and mentoring look like. The task of developing others and helping them grow can be critical to organizational success. It can also be richly fulfilling and energizing to the coach or mentor.

This developmental Thumball focuses on improving the skills of coaches and mentors themselves, not the individuals they seek to help. The 31 prompts on the ball will help them better understand their role, the benefits of helping others grow, and effective coaching/mentoring techniques at their disposal.

It's easy to play! Catch the ball, look under your thumb, and share your reaction to the prompt.Thumballs look like soccer balls but are are soft and safe for indoor use at work, school, and home.

MENTORING AND COACHING THUMBALL PROMPTS

This ball is designed to help build the skill of new and seasoned coaches and mentors. Understandably, the roles and techniques used by coaches and mentors differ, as you will likely discuss when facilitating this activity. Nonetheless, the skills needed to help others grow, the self-awareness required to be good at it, and the challenges faced when coaching and mentoring others are similar and complementary. As such, players are encouraged to adapt the prompts to their specific role and needs.

FACILITATION TIPS

1. Explain the goal. To become better mentors and/or coaches. Explain that the ball has questions for both roles and the player can adapt their question and answer to their needs.
2. Don’t rush. Appreciate that some may not be able to give quick answers; others might want to take some time to discuss their thoughts.
3. Give players a “pass.” If a player finds a prompt particularly difficult, invite them to take a PASS, ASK A FRIEND, or TOSS AGAIN.

A VARIETY OF GAME FORMATS

• Have everyone reply to the same prompt.
• Toss the ball from player to player, so each participant can reply to a different prompt.
• Take a deep dive and have players jot their own answer before discussing the topic with a partner or small group.
• Add-in other Thumballs for more variety.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

NOTE: This ball is part of Trainers Warehouse's exclusive Silver Series Thumballs.

The Leadership Metaphor Explorer Kit is a dynamic, interactive tool designed to stimulate creative, insightful conversations in and among groups about leadership.

The set, which includes a deck of 83 postcard-size cards illustrated with a rich variety of drawings and captions and a comprehensive facilitator's guide, is designed to help people understand how leadership plays out in their organizations, communities, and across boundaries.

This hands-on game uses metaphorical images and captions to open a dialogue about the three stages of dependent, independent, and interdependent leadership cultures. Individuals choose images that resonate with them and then participate in a group discussion about leadership in organizations.

A typical 30-90 minute session follows a five-step process:

1. Prepare. Define the session's purpose and choose participants.
2. Frame. Use specific questions to set up the conversation that the session is meant to provoke.
3. Browse. Each participant chooses one or more cards in response to the specific framing questions put to the group.
4. Reflect and Converse. The participants discuss their cards - why they chose them, differences and similarities, and so on.
5. Extend. Carry the session results and conversion to other groups across the organization.

Kit includes:
Card deck: 83 cards, 4 in. x 6 in.
Facilitator's guide: 70 pages, paperback

View video below

Use a deck of Climer Cards with groups to increase conversation around a certain topic. Using the power of metaphors, the result is a meaningful dialogue that helps people connect and understand each other at a deeper level.

The cards spark ideas, connect people, enhance conversations, and deepen learning. You'll be surprised what users will say!

This simple deck of cards uses hand-drawn pictures to evoke metaphors and imagination. Climer Cards can be used in dozens of team activities. Used by facilitators, teachers, parents, therapists, and camp counselors alike, this deck of cards helps with team building activities, enhancing conversations, and generating creative ideas.

A VERSATILE TOOL FOR TEAM BUILDING AND CREATIVITY!

• Coaches use them to get clients exploring new ideas.
• Facilitators help participants express what they learned.
• Social workers and counselors use them with clients to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
• Teachers help students create connections in class.
• Parents use them to get kids talking about their day.

CLIMER CARDS INCLUDE...

• 52 images based on watercolor paintings by Amy Climer
• Sorting tool to mix large groups into smaller groups
• Directions on use -- but feel free to get creative with endless variations!
• 52 2.5" x 3.5" cards made from high quality, coated paper.
• Printed cardboard box

Lead your team, students, or family to deeper conversations with a simple, powerful deck of cards. Creative images offer hundreds of ways to use. Directions included or invent your own activities!

TEAM SORTING FEATURE TO DIVIDE INTO GROUPS

AMY CLIMER DEMO'S THE DECKS!

See how to use the cards to build team creativity!

USE CLIMER CARDS THROUGH THE ONLINE PORTAL

For a 10% discount on the Climer Cards Virtual Platform, use promo code: TRAINER10

Want to increase conversation around a certain topic? Try a deck of Climer Cards 2. The hand illustrated images use the power of metaphors to stimulate meaningful dialogue that helps people connect and understand each other at a deeper level.

2 SIDES = 2 DECKS!

SIDE 1: Dr. Amy Climer's latest deck of cards uses 52 new gorgeous and evocative watercolor paintings (that she painted!) to spark metaphors and imagination.

SIDE 2: On the reverse side, find words describing a variety of emotions. This deck is useful for initiating conversations about feelings. It gives players an opportunity to move beyond "good,""fine," and "okay" to describe their feelings, and is a wonderful enhancement to Emotional Intelligence and EQ training. Each emotion is translated from English into French and Spanish. You'll also find that each emotion is written in one of 6 different colors, making it quite useful to help you divide your players into smaller work groups.

TONS OF ACTIVITIES

Facilitators can use the two sides indendently, or paired.

• Images: Spread the cards out with the image side face-up. Pose a question to the group and ask that the pick a card that represents their answer. For example: Select a card that represents:
  
  • a personality trait
  • an aspect of your identity
  • a goal for the next quarter
  • how you connect with your company's mission
  • your definition of _______
  • your team's greatest challenge
  • something you hope to learn

Then, invite each person share their card and their thinking.

• Emotions: Spread the cards out with the emotion words face-up. Ask a question that can be answered with a feeling. For instance:
  • How are you feeling right now?
  • How are you feeling about our team?
  • How do you feel about...
    • changes happening at the company
    • risky new opportunities
    • walking into a crowded room
  • How do you feel when...
    • you mess up something you're usually very good at
    • you hear about a friend's promotion
    • your team loses a sports match
• Pair the decks:
  • Consider how the image on the front might (or might not) reflect the emotion on the reverse side.
  • Alternatively, pair the Climer2 deck with the original Climer Card Deck for 104 unique images!

USE CLIMER CARDS IN DOZENS OF SETTINGS!

These wildly versatile cards can be used with groups of adults and youngsters:

• Coaches use them to get clients exploring new ideas.
• Facilitators help participants express what they learned.
• Social workers and counselors use them with clients to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
• Teachers help students create connections in class.
• Parents use them to get kids talking about their day.

CLIMER CARD DECKS FEATURE...

• 52 images based on watercolor paintings by Amy Climer
• Directions on use -- but feel free to get creative with endless variations! You can also download a free ebook at climercards.com.
• 2.5" x 3.5" cards made from high quality, coated paper.
• Cardboard box to hold the deck

Lead your team, students, or family to deeper conversations with a simple, powerful deck of cards. Creative images offer hundreds of ways to use. Directions included or invent your own activities!

WATCH AMY CLIMER DEMO THE DECKS

USE CLIMER CARDS THROUGH THE ONLINE PORTAL

For a 10% discount on the Climer Cards Virtual Platform, use promo code: TRAINER10

Companion to What's My Coaching Style? Facilitator Set (#RBWCHF)

What's My Coaching Style? is coaching assessment for management development that measures personality style and explores how it relates to coaching and interpersonal relationships. Coaches and managers identify and understand personality traits, learn how to capitalize on personal strengths, and minimize potential weaknesses.

Includes 1 print Self-Assessment. TRAINERS: order one Self Assessment for each individual.

Self Assessment Table of Contents:

• 18-item assessment with pressure-sensitive response form
• Scoring and Understanding Your Coaching Style
• What is Coaching
• What is Style
• Coaching + Style = Coaching Style
• Why is It Important That I Know My Coaching Style
• Scoring What's My Coaching Style?
• Interpreting Your Scores
• Is There a Best Coaching Style?
• Too Much of a Good Thing?
• Action Planning
• References

Understanding personal style is the first step to developing successful coaching relationships. By responding to the 18-item What's My Coaching Style? inventory and receiving feedback from coachees, participants identify their personal style and build an understanding of the people they coach.

What's My Coaching Style? is coaching assessment for management development that measures personality style and explores how it relates to coaching and interpersonal relationships. Coaches and managers identify and understand personality traits, learn how to capitalize on personal strengths, and minimize potential weaknesses.

Accurate, easy to use, and apply, the coaching assessment measures an individual's preference for one or more basic behavioral styles: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, and Systematic. With this knowledge, individuals can better understand why they behave the way they do, learn how to adapt their behavior to improve interpersonal relationships, develop rapport, and ultimately, become more effective coaches.

The What's My Coaching Style? Assessment starts with an 18-item inventory that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Each of the 18 items is a pair of statements. With a limit of 5 points, assessment-takers distribute points between the two statements in each pair - indicating the degree to which they feel the work describes their behavior. Scoring the assessment reveals a "My Coaching Style Profile" and a dominant preference for one or more four personal styles: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, and Systematic.

Includes 1 print assessment. Order one Self Assessment for each individual. Each Self Assessment includes:

Understanding personal style is the first step to developing successful coaching relationships. By responding to the 18-item What's My Coaching Style? inventory and receiving feedback from coachees, participants identify their personal style and build an understanding of the people they coach.

What's My Coaching Style? is coaching assessment for management development that measures personality style and explores how it relates to coaching and interpersonal relationships. Coaches and managers identify and understand personality traits, learn how to capitalize on personal strengths, and minimize potential weaknesses.

Accurate, easy to use, and apply, the coaching assessment measures an individual's preference for one or more basic behavioral styles:

• Direct
• Spirited
• Considerate
• Systematic

With this knowledge, individuals can better understand why they behave the way they do, learn how to adapt their behavior to improve interpersonal relationships, develop rapport, and ultimately, become more effective coaches.

The What's My Coaching Style? assessment starts with an 18-item inventory that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Each of the 18 items is a pair of statements. With a limit of 5 points, assessment-takers distribute points between the two statements in each pair - indicating the degree to which they feel the work describes their behavior. Scoring the assessment reveals a "My Coaching Style Profile" and a dominant preference for one or more four personal styles: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, and Systematic.

In addition to the self-assessment, the What's My Coaching Style Feedback Form allows individuals to gauge how they are perceived by those they coach. It is particularly useful in the early stages of a coaching relationship.

If you are planning to use What's My Coaching Style in a business coach training session, we recommend you allow approximately 1 hour for interpretation of scores, topic discussion, debrief, and action planning.

The Facilitator Guide also offers an easy-to-follow workshop outline that expands What's My Coaching Style into a 1.5-hour program.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Identify personal preference for one of four behavioral styles
• Develop an awareness of personal behavior patterns
• Learn how one is viewed by those he or she coaches
• Create an action plan to immediately apply in the workplace

AUDIENCE

What's My Coaching Style is appropriate for anyone to use for both personal and management development. The assessment can be used as a standalone training assessment, or it can be incorporated into a more comprehensive coaching skills training program.

The What's My Coaching Style? Facilitator Guide includes everything you need to lead a successful training session from comprehensive background information and activities, to reproducible handouts and even a professional PowerPoint presentation.

Facilitator support materials will be available to you as a digital download link in your order confirmation.

Order one Facilitator Set per trainer, and 1 Print Participant Guide (#RBWCHP, purchased separately) for each individual learner. Feedback Forms (#RBWCHO) are also available separately.

This amazing Emotional Intelligence Activity lets players practice emotional intelligence skills! Take turns picking one of the EQ Game 50 Situation Cards and reading it aloud. The fun and learning begin when players choose a Self-Awareness Card that describes how they're feeling, then select a few EQ Skills Cards (Self-Management, Social Awareness, or Relationship Skills) that might help them deal with the sticky situation.

OVERVIEW OF THE EQ GAME

• PURPOSE: The purpose of the EQ game is to provide practice in emotional intelligence skills. Players pick a situation card, read it aloud, then play a Self-Awareness Card AND one or more EQ Skills Cards. After playing a round, players can discuss practical solutions to the situation, then score the round.
• PLAYERS: The game can be played by up to 8 people
• TIME: Expect to play for 30-60 minutes.

EQ GAME PARTS

Situation Cards (50/deck):

• Self-Awareness/Self-Management focused situation, followed by 2 questions;
• Social Awareness / Relationship Skills situation, followed by 4 questions.

Response Cards:

• Self-Awareness Cards (54 cards)
• EQ Skills Cards (60 color-coded cards for Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Skills)

For trainers who may want a quick activity for a larger group of up to 25 participants, the Situation Cards can be used by themselves. The game has enough Situation Cards for up to 25 people, who can work in groups of 4-6 to discuss the situations described on the cards and figure out the emotionally intelligent way to respond.

PLAYING THE EQ GAME

Before playing, explain the model to the group by saying, "It takes emotional intelligence to deal successfully with these situations. We'll learn the EQ basics in four key areas, below."

1. Give each participant a Situation Card. Ask:
   • Have you ever been in this or a similar situation?
   • What do you need to do to handle this kind of situation?
2. Introduce each competency and facilitate a discussion using these questions.
• Self-Awareness: Ask the group: What are some strong feelings you've experienced recently? What were the circumstances? Are you always aware of what you are feeling?
• Self-Management: Engage the group in a discussion of any of the following topics: How to you bounce back after a setback (resilience)? How to you manage your feelings and resources in a difficult situation? How do you get started on a difficult project (initiative)? How to you maintain a positive outlook as much as possible? How do you control your disruptive emotions and impulses?
• Social Awareness: Engage the class in a discussion of empathy—what makes it the foundation of social awareness and how we can empathize.
• Relationship Management: Explain that the key to managing relationships well is flexibility, calmness, kindness, and clarity. Engage the class in discussion about where they have seen others be flexible, calm, kind, and clear. Ask for specific examples.
3. Play The EQ Game.

MORE RESOURCES

• Ground Rules Signs
• Tips for facilitating difficult situations

The Power of Perception Leadership Activities take participants on a journey of walking in others' shoes and seeing the world from new perspectives. As the group works out challenges, wearing different-colored glasses, they quickly understand the reality of others not seeing the world through the same lenses they do... literally.

Using John Riordan's workbook and course, facilitators can help teams, leaders, and managers recognize, understand, and adjust their own perceptions and others'.

FACILITATION KIT INCLUDES…

The game includes all you need for 3 to 18 players.

• 3 Facilitation/Participant workbooks
• 6 Red Glasses
• 6 Blue Glasses
• 6 Yellow Glasses

EXTRA SET OF GLASSES INCLUDES…

• 1 set (3 pairs) of glasses  -- (one of each color: red, blue, yellow)

POWER OF PERCEPTION LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

In the workbook, find a complete course on the power of perceptions, including:

• Introduction – explaining Chris Argyris’ Ladder of Inference, exploring how the information on which we focus becomes the filter through which we lend meaning, make assumptions, and draw conclusions.
• Introductory Activity – in a series of two warm-up exercises, players must add up a series of numbers and agree on the sum of those numbers. Wearing the glasses, they will arrive at different totals, and there the negotiations (and learning) begin.
• People Perceptions Activity – In a second activity, participants are asked to evaluate potential new teammates based on a set of criteria. When asked which candidate they’re drawn to, players will realize that they’ve come to different conclusions depending on the information that’s most apparent to them. Debriefs can focus on self-perceptions, cultural norms, past experience, stereotypes, affinity bias, and more.
• Emotional Intelligence Activity – the third activity asks participants to consider a person’s feelings. Again, perceptions of the situation are colored by the glasses they’re wearing. Beyond building emotion-related vocabularies, debriefs can explore projection bias, attribution bias, cultural context, assumptions, mood congruence, and more.
• Decision-Making Activity – In the fourth and final activity, participants must agree on a sum of numbers so that they can make a joint decision. The activity explores the need to:
  • Begin with dialogue, not debate
  • Strive first for understanding, not the quickest answer
  • Differentiate constructive and destructive language when
  • Negotiating decisions when everyone isn’t in agreement
• Debrief – a series of wrap-up questions, engage the group to discuss:
  • Topics on which team members currently have different opinions or perspectives
  • Ways you can manage different perspectives going forward.

DEMO

FROM THE DEVELOPER, JOHN RIORDAN

Synergy Stack is a deck of "Habit Cards"

The deck contains 48 "Habit cards," that help colleagues build synergy, communication, and understanding through improved Connections, Clarity, Curiosity, and Commitment. Use this thoughtful deck to help teams in their "Getting to Yes" efforts. Build strength in communication and negotiation skills. Develop alignment between individuals, teams, and departments by fortifying this critical set of skills and habits.

4 COLOR-CODED CATEGORIES TO BUILD SYNERGY

• CONNECTION: Get to know one another as human beings. The 12 GREEN cards focus groups on topics such as showing empathy, getting to know peers beyond the workplace, being real, giving credit where it's due.
• CLARITY: Develop a shared understanding of success. The 12 TEAL cards home in one on building shared understanding about goals, expectations, and priorities.
• CURIOSITY: Show genuine interest in other perspectives and possibilities. 12 ORANGE cards seek to explore others interests and perspectives through inquiry, idea sharing, challenging assumptions, openness to new thinking.
• COMMITMENT: Coming to clear commitment. 12 BLUE cards help get teams to the finish line by helping teams stay on track, honor deadlines and confidentiality, accepting accountability, and sparking action.

KEY ELEMENTS OF SYNERGY STACK CARDS

1. Title: The name of the HABIT (12 habits for each of the 4 Cs).
2. Color and icon- associated with one of the 4 Cs.
3. Description of the Habit – definition of the habit explains what the habit looks like when used effectively.
4. Question – example phrase showing how one might further explore or discuss the habit.

SO MANY USES

This thoughtfully curated collection of tools, games, and activities is designed to amplify team collaboration, foster innovation, and spark meaningful conversations among leaders at every level. The Synergy Stack deck is perfect for workshops, team retreats, or leadership development programs, such as:

• Dynamic Team-Building Exercises: Engage participants with activities that build trust, improve communication, and encourage problem-solving in real time.
• Powerful Discussion Prompts: Dive deep into leadership challenges using expertly crafted questions and scenarios.
• Adaptable Frameworks: Tailor activities to any group size or leadership style with flexible resources that meet your training objectives.
• Plus...
  • Team building
  • Strategic planning
  • Problem-solving
  • Project kick-offs
  • Post-project reviews
  • Company offsites
  • Conferences
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Conflict resolution and Negotiation Training
  • Communication training

READY-TO-GO LEARNING EXPERIENCES & GAME IDEAS

SynergyStack includes access to an online hub that's chock full of facilitation and teaching notes, multimedia content, deeper explanations of the 4-Cs approach, and 13 games that you can tailor to the needs of your groups.

• 3 general "icebreaker" exercises that use all the cards in the deck
• 4 exercises that use just the 12 cards of the associated "C"
• 1 Teambuilding exercise
• 3 one-on-one activities (build self-confidence, coach through a conflict, career development)
• 2 personal development activities

LEARN MORE

Read a synopsis here.

Listen to a recording.

FA

FAQs

Q: What is Synergy Stack?
A: Synergy Stack is a deck of 48 “Habit Cards” designed to strengthen team communication, collaboration, and negotiation. The cards help teams build practical habits across four areas: Connection, Clarity, Curiosity, and Commitment.

Q: How do teams use Synergy Stack in training or workshops?
A: Facilitators use the cards as conversation starters, reflection prompts, and activity guides during team-building sessions, leadership development workshops, project kickoffs, and retrospectives. The deck supports both group discussion and one-on-one coaching.

Q: What are the four categories in Synergy Stack?
A: The deck is organized into four color-coded categories:

• Connection (green): building empathy and human connection

• Clarity (teal): aligning on goals, expectations, and priorities

• Curiosity (orange): exploring perspectives and challenging assumptions

• Commitment (blue): accountability, follow-through, and action

Q: What’s included on each Habit Card?
A: Each card includes the habit name, a brief description of what the habit looks like in practice, and a sample question or prompt facilitators can use to spark discussion or reflection.

Q: What kinds of programs is Synergy Stack best for?
A: Synergy Stack works well for team building, leadership development, strategic planning, communication training, negotiation training, conflict resolution, project kickoffs, post-project reviews, offsites, and coaching or mentoring sessions.

Q: Is Synergy Stack suitable for different group sizes?
A: Yes. The cards can be used with small groups, full teams, or in one-on-one coaching. Activities can be adapted for workshops, retreats, classrooms, and conference sessions.

Q: Are ready-to-use activities included?
A: Yes. Synergy Stack includes access to an online hub with facilitation notes, deeper explanations of the 4Cs framework, multimedia resources, and 13 ready-to-run games and exercises that can be tailored to different learning goals.

Q: What skills does Synergy Stack help develop?
A: The cards help build practical habits for communication, collaboration, alignment, curiosity, accountability, problem-solving, and negotiation—skills that support high-performing teams and effective leadership.

PRACTICE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

These workplace scenarios, developed by Trainers Warehouse, address common categories of workplace dissonance. Each includes one or more roleplays that ask participants to consider their strategy in addressing a sticky situation. Each is an opportunity to either build or erode trust, which is key to effective working relationships.

BROAD RANGE OF TOPICS

The 18 scenarios contained in this deck cover a broad range of topics. As players practice, observers and facilitators can help identify successful approaches and outcomes. There are no “right answers.” The goal is simply to practice having difficult conversations in ways that build trust. Find roleplays that explore these four areas:

1. Conflict Resolution: Addressing differences and misunderstandings. Managing conflicts between team members or dealing with disputes within the team can be challenging. Successful outcomes require players to address issues tactfully, mediate disagreements, see things from diverse perspectives, and find solutions that maintain a cooperative work environment.
2. Performance Issues and Giving difficult feedback. Addressing performance issues like poor productivity, missed deadlines, or quality concerns, is a common challenge for managers. Give them an opportunity to practice giving constructive feedback, setting performance expectations, and developing improvement plans. Successful roleplays will consist of delivering difficult messages, providing feedback that’s specific and actionable, improving communication, and preserving relationships.
3. Sharing feedback and facilitating tough conversations within teams. Peer feedback is a valuable tool for professional development and collaboration. Feedback scenarios focus on giving specific, constructive, and supportive input about an individual's or team's growth and development. Productive conversations should foster a culture of collaboration and understanding within the workplace.
4. Leadership: managing change, crises, and growth (multi-person role-plays). Effective leadership can help motivate excellent work, create a positive organizational culture, and inspire action. Practicing multi-person scenarios will help leaders navigate challenges, guide teams, build alignment, and make decisions. Judge your success based on whether constituents feel heard, and everyone understands the way forward, with minimal stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

24-CARD DECK CONTAINS SCENARIOS AND FACILITATION TIPS!

Work-Plays deck (4" x 6") contains these 24 cards:

• 18 scenarios
• 1 Overview/cover card
• 1 Learning Objectives
• 1 Listing of 18 scenarios
• 1 Facilitation Suggestions
• 1 Example scenario
• 1 Debrief Suggestions

The deck comes in a beautifully designed box. The cards are a hefty 330 gsm, so they won't wear out!

NO RIGHT ANSWERS

Remind players that there are no "right answers." Rather these provide an opportunity to practice difficult conversations in a safe space. While you're players may not experience these exact situations in their workplace, they will raise familiar issues. Often, practicing with cases that don't strike too close to home is easier because it allows players to take some chances and try out new techniques to apply to more "real life" situations.

FACILITATION SUGGESTIONS

TIPS TO MAKE BEST USE OF SCENARIOS

1. Choose a role play scenario.
2. Select which conversation you’d like to practice.
3. Decide to conduct a one-on-one or multi-player roleplay.
4. Decide if role players will practice privately or in front of a small group.
5. Read the scenario to the group and/or distribute the situation to roleplaying participants.
6. Remind players: “There are no right answers. The exercise is about getting practice and discovering effective techniques.”
7. Select “observers” to help identify effective or problematic approaches.

FRONT-OF-ROOM FACILITATION TIPS

If you choose to demo difficult conversations in front of the room, keep these tips in mind:

• • Explain that participants will take turns having these difficult conversations. Let them know that you plan to stop and start frequently, so the group can discuss techniques that are effective and/or phraseology that inhibits productive dialogue.
  • Let participants who are playing the “difficult person” know they can ham it up as much as they want, but if an argument is compelling, they should respond positively.
  • Change role players frequently. Invite observers to raise a hand if they have an approach they’d like to try. Invite role-players to raise a hand if they’d like a “reliever” to step in.

Energize a Webinar, Remote Learning Session, or Online Meeting with UNZiP-it! Remote. Even if you aren't face to face, make it fun to pick a question and get conversations rolling. Read the poem and pick a question:

Feeling shy about speaking out?
Or, not sure what to talk about?
It's easy now to start the flow,
And have discussions bloom and grow.

Click the button below to pick a topic,
Big and broad, or microscopic,
A prompt that doesn't dig too deep,
Or one that makes you take a leap.

Go ahead, just press to pick it,
Read the prompt and then UNZiP-it!

BE A LEADER PROMPTS

In this unique Leadership Deck, find a full range of conversation starters, including:

• Leadership traits that I have or aspire to have in myself and my team
• Ways to motivate, inspire, and recognize employee contributions
• Methods for dealing with disagreement, decision making, and mistakes
• Reflections on challenges, frustrations, delegation, and impatience
• Approaches to promote growth and learning

Techniques to get buy-in, promote diversity, and share feedback

The Be A Leader prompts get the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION FORMAT

The PowerPoint file is saved as a "pptm" file, containing a Macro. Once you enable the content, the UNZiP-it! Button will select a random discussion prompt.

[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]

This is a downloadable product. After you've placed your order, you will be given a link where you can download the file or you can log into your account and download the file.

The Expedition Online is a teamwork and planning activity supplied digitally, for use in virtual or face-to-face training sessions.

THE ACTIVITY

Their mission is to travel to a location deep in the desert to collect a vitally important letter (that could mean the difference between life and death). They have a map, a vehicle to travel in and a coded message that will reveal the location - but little else. What data do they need in order to plan the expedition? They must formulate eight carefully constructed questions in order to get that critical information.

Now they can start planning in earnest. They’ll see there are three possible routes – all need investigating. Who does what? Do they demonstrate attention to detail? Are they conscious of time?

They must also choose four people to go on the expedition itself. What attributes are they looking for? They can select members of their own team or candidates whose details are supplied in the Team Brief – or a mixture of both.

Their vehicle is subject to strict weight restrictions, 900 Kg max, so fuel, water, food, first aid, tools etc must be carefully chosen for each stage of the journey. Emergency supplies MUST be carried; other items are optional - but all have weight implications. Teams use Checklists to plan the packing of the vehicle and ascertain total weights. Get it badly wrong – and the expedition fails!

If all safety precautions are adhered to, of the three possible routes, only one is realistic. Will teams realise this or will they take unjustifiable risks to get back to base ahead of their competitors?

TRAINER'S ROLE

1. Briefly introduce the session, divide the group into teams and issues team briefs, a map of the Gozo Desert and a Data Request Form.
2. Teams have 15 minutes to brainstorm eight questions that will give them the data they need to plan the expedition. They note these on the Data Request Form.
3. After 15 minutes collect the Data Request Forms and hold them until the Debrief (for analysis/discussion).
4. Whatever data was requested, issue each team with a Critical Information Sheet. This gives teams all the information they need to plan their expedition.
5. Observe teams in action. Make notes on their teamwork, delegation, leadership, planning skills and time management.
6. After 90 minutes call a halt. After a break issue copies of the Team Review Sheet for teams to work through.
7. Ask each team EITHER to give brief feedback on how they worked together and what their final decision was, OR, if time allows, ask teams to prepare a more substantial presentation.
8. Lead a general debrief on the activity – there are lots of issues. Summarise the key lessons learned. Relate these to the workplace and how improvements might be made in real life.

Full instructions, discussion notes and learning points in the Trainer’s Notes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• how, as a team, to address the overall planning process
• to ask the right questions early on, to identify key issues
• the importance of accuracy and attention to detail
• basic logistics
• to select the best personnel for the job
• to evaluate different options

CONTENTS

• Trainer’s Guide (supplied as a PDF)
• Team Brief (supplied as a PDF)
• Gozo Desert Map (supplied as a PDF)
• Handout: Critical Information (supplied as a PDF)
• Handout: Team Review Form (supplied as a PDF)
• Checklist (supplied as a PDF)
• Data Request Form (supplied as a PDF)

This Northgate training activity is delivered through an online portal and comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants per training session within the license-holding organization.

The Expedition is designed by Northgate Training Activities.

This is a downloadable product. You will receive emailed instructions on how to download the software. It may take 1-3 days to receive this email, depending on the day of the week that the order is placed.

The Complete Training Library is a professional training library of ready-made training workshops, which includes online access to over 140 Soft Skills Course Kits and 7 Microsoft Office Specialist Course Kits. There are also 32 Soft Skills Course Kits translated into Spanish. Scroll down to see all of the courses included.

2 VERSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

You have the option to select this eLearning version

1. eLearning (#RCCTLE) integrates seamlessly into your existing Learning Management System and is perfect for self-paced learning. You will receive the SCORM package for each course (ready for immediate upload to your LMS), all the source files can be easily edited using Articulate Storyline, plus HTML web versions ready for use on your intranet or password protected website.

   The eLearning SCORM packages are available in both SCORM 2004 and SCORM 1.2 versions that can be directly uploaded to any SCORM compliant LMS.

2. A stand-alone Workshop Library (#RCCTLW) is also available

An AMAZING value for a complete set of turnkey training activities for facilitators!

147+ COMPLETE COURSES - A COMPLETE TURN-KEY CORPORATE TRAINING CURRICULUM

With this complete, comprehensive library for ready-to-go, ready-to-present professional training workshops, seminars, and courses, you're sure to find the content you need when you need it. Don't worry about reinventing the wheel! These workshops have all you need to start presenting tomorrow! You'll find courses focused on all of the following (see a more complete listing below):

• Administrative Skills (12+ courses)
• Career Development (17+ courses)
• Human Resources (25+ courses)
• Personal Development (24+ courses)
• Sales and Marketing (25+ courses)
• Supervising, Management and Leadership Skills (17+ courses)
• Workplace Essentials (21+ courses)
• Microsoft Office courses! (7+ courses)

COMPLETE TRAINING LIBRARY FEATURES

• Classroom Ready: Save hundreds of hours
• Completely Customizable: Modify content to increase relevancy to your audience
• Peace of Mind: Professional, classroom-tested presentation materials
• Reproducible: Print as many copies as you need, whenever you want
• Unrestricted Use: Unlimited number of trainers within your organization
• Your Logo and Branding: Rebrand using your name and logo. Feel free to add your own logos and messaging! Using any word processor (eg Microsoft Word) you can completely customize and re-brand each training resource as your own. Add company logos and color schemes, insert industry examples, even combine training modules from different courses to create completely new training programs.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: 90-day satisfaction guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied. Just return everything for a full refund.
• Lifetime Access: As the curriculum grows, so will your library!

EVERY COURSE HAS ALL YOU NEED AND IS CUSTOMIZABLE!

All of these workshop resources can be easily customized: mix and match training topics between courses, add new content, and even re-brand as your own.

• Training Manual - The training manuals for each course can be easily edited using any word processor such as Microsoft Word. This allows trainers like yourself to deliver the most up to date training possible. Private trainers can also take advantage of branding opportunities to increase future contracts.
• Instructor Guide - Each course also includes an Instructor Guide with detailed lesson plans, timelines, additional resources, and tips and tricks to ensure a professional training experience each and every time.
• Icebreakers - Icebreakers, energizers, and other workshop activities heighten the effectiveness of training sessions when targeted to the lesson topic and the overall needs of the participants. Icebreakers can be used to introduce or reinforce lesson topics, enhance teamwork, and create an interesting and fun learning environment.
• PowerPoint Slides - PowerPoint slides compliment the instructor-led training experience and provide an excellent summary of training concepts in point format. Flip chart notes are also available as an alternative for workshop training.
• Quick Reference Sheets - These powerful Quick Reference sheets are an excellent take away from any training program or as a stand-alone desktop reference tool. Of course, they are fully customizable and can be re-branded for use as promotional advertising materials.
• Activities and Exercises - Reinforce lessons with fun and appropriate exercies and hands-on learning activities.
• Flip Chart Notes - have ready facilitator notes on flip charts that illustrate points and support learning.
• Quizzes and Testing - Be sure that your teaching has been successful with quizzes and tests that help reinforce and learning and enhance long-term retention.
• Certificates -The Certificate of Completion is meant to publicly acknowledge the effort and expense invested by participants in the completion of the training workshop. These will often be displayed in the workplace and provide referrals for future training engagements.

FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE!

While the Complete Training Library was developed for "live" instructor-led training, you can use the workshop materials to deliver online training, professional webinars virtually using tools such as GoToTraining, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

DEMO

TIME MANAGEMENT SAMPLE COURSE

See what we mean when we say this Complete Training Library has everything you need! The Time Management Course provides the trainer with a fully customizable 88 page Word Document, and a 174 slide PowerPoint deck. The link below shows "Module Four," including facilitation notes, activity guides, slides, handouts, and more!

• Module One: Getting Started
• Module Two: Discovering Your Productivity Rhythm
• Module Three: Managing Time with Goals
• Module Four: Prioritizing Your Time
• Module Five: Tackling Procrastination
• Module Six: Organizing Your Workspace
• Module Seven: Delegating Made Easy
• Module Eight: Setting a Ritual
• Module Nine: Meeting Management
• Module Ten: Dealing with Time Barriers
• Module Eleven: The Benefits of Good Time Management
• Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

We do still include the old versions (like the elearning sample on your page) in the elearning library as they can be edited using Articulate Storyline

FULL CONTENTS OF TRAINING LIBRARY! (but it's continually updated!)

We sell the complete package as a bundle, but if you're only looking for one or two courses, please ask us!

Individual courses cost about $600 each, so this full set is valued at close to a whopping $84,000!

Complete Training Library Workshop offers an all-in-one solution of ready-made training workshops—granting your organization online access to over 140 Soft Skills Course Kits and 7 Microsoft Office Specialist Course Kits, including 32 soft skills kits available in Spanish. That’s close to 150 fully customizable, ready-made courses to jumpstart your training programs immediately.

2 VERSIONS TO SUIT ANY DELIVERY MODE

• Workshop Library: Ideal for live, instructor-led sessions—whether in-person or virtual (via Teams, Zoom, GoToTraining). Includes editable Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files. Mac users just need Office for Mac.
• eLearning (LMS) Version: SCORM packages ready for LMS upload, with fully editable Articulate Storyline source files and HTML web versions for internal platforms. It's perfect for self-paced learning. You will receive the SCORM package for each course (ready for immediate upload to your LMS), all the source files can be easily edited using Articulate Storyline, plus HTML web versions ready for use on your intranet or password-protected website.

WHY CHOOSE THIS LIBRARY

• Instant content delivery: Start presenting tomorrow—no course build needed.
• Fully customizable: Adapt content to align with your brand and audience.
• Unlimited reproduction: Print handouts or trainer notes without restriction.
• Unlimited trainer access: Empower your entire team with no extra licensing fees.

COURSE CATEGORIES INCLUDED

147+ COMPLETE COURSES - A COMPLETE TURN-KEY CORPORATE TRAINING CURRICULUM

With this complete, comprehensive library for ready-to-go, ready-to-present professional training workshops, seminars, and courses, you're sure to find the content you need when you need it. Don't worry about reinventing the wheel! These turnkey training activities for facilitators have all you need to start presenting tomorrow! You'll find courses focused on all of the following (see a more complete listing below):

• Administrative Skills (12+ courses)
• Career Development (17+ courses)
• Human Resources (25+ courses)
• Personal Development (24+ courses)
• Sales and Marketing (25+ courses)
• Supervising, Management and Leadership Skills (17+ courses)
• Workplace Essentials (21+ courses)
• Microsoft Office courses! (7+ courses)

FAQS

Q: What’s the difference between the Workshop Library and the eLearning LMS version?
A: The Workshop Library includes editable Word and PowerPoint files for live facilitation. The eLearning version offers SCORM packages, Storyline source files, and HTML versions for seamless integration with your LMS.

Q: Can I edit the content to match my branding?
A: Absolutely. All course materials in these turnkey training activities for facilitators are fully customizable—you can personalize text, imagery, and format to fit your organization.

Q: Is there a Spanish version?
A: Yes, 32 of the soft skills course kits are translated and included in Spanish.

Q: How many trainers can use this?
A: There’s no limit—trainers across your organization can access and deliver the material anytime.

The Complete Training Library is a professional training library that includes online access to over 140 Soft Skills Course Kits and 7 Microsoft Office Specialist Course Kits. There are also 32 Soft Skills Course Kits translated into Spanish. Scroll down to see all of the courses included.

COMPLETE TRAINING LIBRARY FEATURES

An AMAZING value for a complete turnkey training workshop!

• Classroom Ready: Save hundreds of hours
• Completely Customizable: Modify content to increase relevancy to your audience
• Peace of Mind: Professional, classroom tested presentation materials
• Reproducible: Print as many copies as you need, whenever you want
• Unrestricted Use: Unlimited number of trainers within your organization
• Your Logo and Branding: Rebrand using your name and logo. Feel free to add your own logos and messaging! Using any word processor (eg Microsoft Word) you can completely customize and re-brand each training resource as your own. Add company logos and color schemes, insert industry examples, even combine training modules from different courses to create completely new training programs.
• Satisfaction Guarantee: 90-day satisfaction guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied. Just return everything for a full refund.
• Lifetime Access: As the curriculum grows, so will your library

EVERY COURSE HAS ALL YOU NEED AND IS CUSTOMIZABLE!

All of these workshop resources can be easily customized: mix and match training topics between courses, add new content, and even rebrand as your own.

• Training Manual - The training manuals for each course can be easily edited using any word processor, such as Microsoft Word. This allows trainers like yourself to deliver the most up-to-date training possible. Private trainers can also take advantage of branding opportunities to increase future contracts.
• Instructor Guide - Each course also includes an Instructor Guide with detailed lesson plans, timelines, additional resources, and tips and tricks to ensure a professional training experience every time.
• Icebreakers - Icebreakers, energizers, and other workshop activities heighten the effectiveness of training sessions when targeted to the lesson topic and the overall needs of the participants. Icebreakers can be used to introduce or reinforce lesson topics, enhance teamwork, and create an interesting and fun learning environment.
• PowerPoint Slides - PowerPoint slides complement the instructor-led training experience and provide an excellent summary of training concepts in point format. Flip chart notes are also available as an alternative for workshop training.
• Quick Reference Sheets - These powerful Quick Reference sheets are an excellent take-away from any training program or as a stand-alone desktop reference tool. Of course, they are fully customizable and can be re-branded for use as promotional advertising materials.
• Activities and Exercises - Reinforce lessons with fun and appropriate exercises and hands-on learning activities.
• Flip Chart Notes - have ready facilitator notes on flip charts that illustrate points and support learning.
• Quizzes and Testing - Be sure that your teaching has been successful with quizzes and tests that help reinforce learning and enhance long-term retention.
• Certificates -The Certificate of Completion is meant to publicly acknowledge the effort and expense invested by participants in the completion of the training workshop. These will often be displayed in the workplace and provide referrals for future training engagements.

FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE!

While the Complete Training Library was developed for "live" instructor-led training, you can use the workshop materials to deliver online training, professional webinars virtually using tools such as GoToTraining, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

WATCH A DEMO!

TIME MANAGEMENT SAMPLE COURSE

See what we mean when we say this Complete Training Library has everything you need! The Time Management Course provides the trainer with a fully customizable 88 page Word Document, and a 174 slide PowerPoint deck. The link below shows "Module Four," including facilitation notes, activity guides, slides, handouts, and more!

• Module One: Getting Started
• Module Two: Discovering Your Productivity Rhythm
• Module Three: Managing Time with Goals
• Module Four: Prioritizing Your Time (Download this sample Time Management course module!)
• Module Five: Tackling Procrastination
• Module Six: Organizing Your Workspace
• Module Seven: Delegating Made Easy
• Module Eight: Setting a Ritual
• Module Nine: Meeting Management
• Module Ten: Dealing with Time Barriers
• Module Eleven: The Benefits of Good Time Management
• Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

VIEW A SAMPLE SELF-PACED eLEARNING COURSE (LMS VERSION ONLY)

FULL CONTENTS OF TRAINING LIBRARY! (but it's continually updated!)

We sell the complete package as a bundle, but if you're only looking for one or two courses, please ask us!

Individual courses cost about $600 each, so this full set is valued at close to a whopping $84,000!

Studies have shown that when people are actively involved in the thinking and decision-making process, their sense of ownership inspires results that exceed expectations. Road to THERE is the toolkit to create buy-in, increase creative energy, and inspire ownership in an organization's plan to excel!

WHY ROAD TO THERE VISIONING TOOL?

This simple tool takes the fear out of strategic planning and visioning, which for many people conjures up images of heated arguments, confusion, unresolved disagreements, hours of circular-reasoning disguised as healthy debate, and for some, the embarrassment of not knowing how.

Yet, without a clear and effective plan that lays out a roadmap to the future, and to which team members can buy-in, the organization creates an environment that is prime for chaos.

HOW IT WORKS

The Road to THERE walks individuals and teams through the process of visualizing the future and creating a clear road map that identifies the objectives, the potential obstacles, and the distance between where you currently are and how far you need to go to get THERE. With it are the Hows that everyone involved can participate in creating -- therefore making it real to the individual contributor and inspiring ownership.

INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED (except the meeting platform)

Road to “THERE” Virtual Toolkit was designed to help facilitators walk their teams through a thorough strategic planning process. The goal of the facilitation is to create an action plan with clarity of purpose, accountability, and focused intention. Included in the digitally-delivered toolkit is:

1. The Road to “THERE” PowerPoint Video for Online Teams
2. Concise Facilitator Guide, containing tips, not included in the PPT file
3. Downloadable Planning Worksheet Master files
4. Accountability Matrix Master File

NOTE: You will also need an online Meetings Platform, which allows for small group breakouts, shared whiteboards, and voting (i.e. Zoom, Webex, Google Meet, etc..)

Creator, Linda Callecod, talks about using Road to There during a Live Workshop

Mars Rover Challenge (formerly Mars Surface Rover) provides a powerful, unique hands-on experience that allows participants to connect with the concept of collaboration at a deep and personal level. Participants are immersed in a team construction activity, whereby they are tasked by the World Space Agency to build a prototype rover for traversing Mars' rocky terrain.

All components -- except for the participant workbooks -- are reusable, although additional workbooks can be individually purchased. (See product code #GAMARTW)

The Teamwork version is designed to help individuals become more effective team members by allowing them to experience the differences between working collaboratively and working in "silos".

The program is ideal for established teams who are looking to increase their productivity, efficiency, and innovation and who may need to break free from unhealthy work habits. It is equally well suited for new teams who are striving to integrate collaboration into their developing team dynamic. This version introduces basic concepts such as interdependence, common goals, and diversity with an unconventional simulation.

How it Works: In the Teamwork version, the game is split into two rounds. In both rounds participants work in teams to construct a rover, but with varying approaches to work. In the first round, they simulate working in "silos" as they withhold information and complete their assigned tasks individually. In the second round, participants simulate working collaboratively as they communicate information and tasks openly and work together to design the rover they think has the best chance of completing its mission. The end result in each round usually is markedly different, and the process and outcomes make for lively discussion and usually quite a few "Ah-Ahs!" as they realize the effects the two different approaches to work have on morale, motivation, and performance.

Time required: 4.5 hours

Learning Outcomes: Recognize the distinction between a team and a group, understand how teammates responsibilities are interdependent, and realize the importance of continual communication within the team.

Contents of Game Kit:

• Facilitator Guide
• 18 Workbooks
• 3 Game Parts Bags with K'NEX ® Pieces
• 1 Clear Plastic Wallet with Extra K'NEX ® Pieces
• 6 Blueprints
• 3 Sets of 6 Task cards
• 1 Poster
• 1 Tote Bag
• 1 USB FLASH DRIVE, which includes:
  Teamwork Learning Overview
  Teamwork PowerPoint Presentation
  Teamwork Theory Background
  Teamwork FAQ

Part of the HRDQ game series.

What's My Leadership Style?, by Mary Blitzer Field, is a management development and leadership style assessment that identifies leadership style and helps organizational leaders, managers, and supervisors improve performance and become effective leaders.

Part of the best-selling HRDQ Style Series, What's My Leadership Style is a validated assessment that quickly and accurately identifies a preference for one of four behavioral patterns based on measures of assertiveness and expressiveness: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, or Systematic.

With increased awareness of their personal style and a practical mental framework to build upon, aspiring leaders can assess and adjust their own actions, interpret the behavior of others, and improve their ability to win hearts and minds in any situation calling for effective leadership.

What's My Leadership Style? starts with a leadership style assessment in which individuals are given 20 pairs of actions relating to leadership behavior. With a limit of 5 points, assessment-takers distribute points between the two actions in each pair - indicating the degree to which they prefer either action when acting as a leader. The result of scoring the assessment is the identification of one's preferred leadership style: Direct, Spirited, Considerate, or Systematic. Completing the assessment requires approximately 10 minutes.

TIMING: After the assessment has been scored, we recommend you allow approximately 1 hour for interpretation of scores, topic discussion, debrief, and action planning. The Facilitator Guide also offers an easy-to-follow workshop outline that expands What's My Leadership Style into a 2-hour program.

INCLUDES:

• Facilitator guide
• Sample assessment materials

CONTENTS

• Personalized, full-color report
• Results of 20-item assessment
• Understanding Leadership
• Understanding Leadership Style
• Your Leadership Profile
• Your Leadership Style Strength
• Your Leadership Style Trouble Spots
• Flexing Your Leadership Style
• Recognizing Others' Dominant Style
• Applying What You've Learned
• Comparative Data

HRDQ ASSESSMENT CENTER

Gone are the days of mailing pre-work to participants, shuffling paperwork, and tabulating scores in your head. Here is a streamlined solution that will transform the way you prepare for and deliver training with assessments, whether your audience is 20 or 20,000. The online assessment portal gives you complete control over the entire process, from distribution, to administration, scoring, and data management, all with just a few clicks of a mouse.

As a trainer, the Assessment Center enables you to distribute assessments simultaneously to a global audience, manage and track participant progress and completion, access scores immediately and control the release of results, provide full color results to your audience, and print interpretive reports on demand. Participants have 24/7 access to a secure personal account, the ability to complete assessments from any location, at any time, automatic scoring and instant results.

This easy-to-use card deck works as a teaching aid, a memory jogger, and a facilitation tool to guide leaders in the best practices for giving feedback. It's a lead-it-yourself toolkit focusing on the “SBI feedback framework” (Situation-Behavior-Impact) in real-world settings.

THE S-B-I METHOD: Based on Center for Creative Leadership's proven methodology, SBI is not only a method designed for managers to give feedback to their direct reports but can also be used for giving feedback to peers or superiors – a capability particularly critical in organizations that encourage transparency.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

4 Guidebooks to reinforce & support the receipt and delivery of SBI feedback. The books offer background information and tips on applying the Situation-Behavior-Impact framework in each of these different situations:

• • Feedback in Performance Reviews
  • Ongoing Feedback
  • Feedback that Works
  • Giving Feedback to Subordinates

31 Coach with Conversations Card Deck. Easy reference cards include facilitation tips, feedback questions, positive and negative impact words, 10 common mistakes, and 6 practice scenarios.

50 tear-off SBI practice sheets with tips for practicing feedback in the SBI style on one side and space to write a piece of SBI-style feedback on the reverse. The practice sheets will help people learn how to create and give effective developmental feedback.

4 FEEDBOOK GUIDEBOOKS:

1) Feedback in Performance Reviews

Effective feedback is one of the most important components of successful performance reviews. Feedback is assessment data that either supports continuing to perform in some manner or targets a desirable change. This guidebook will help you provide performance review feedback that will be well received. It explains three feedback principles and four different types of feedback. Each of these four types is effective when used at the right time and for the right reasons, and they can be used in combination. This guidebook will help you understand when to use the different types of feedback and how to frame a complete feedback message. The rest is practice.

2) Ongoing Feedback: How to Get It and How to Use It

Do you want feedback that will really do you some good? Consider the source. Think about who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask. But don't stop there. Learn to evaluate the content of the feedback you've received so you can use it effectively.

3) Feedback that Works: How to Build and Delivery your Message

Effective feedback, whether it's meant for your boss, your peers, or your direct reports, is built around three ideas. One, focus on the situation. Two, describe the other person's behavior you observed in that situation. And third, describe the impact that behavior had on you. The result is a message that is clear and that can inspire action and productive change.

4) Giving Feedeback to Subordinates

For whatever reason, managers find it hard to give feedback to their direct reports. To succeed in your leadership role, make feedback a part of developing your direct reports to their full potential. Learn how to provide effective feedback that is empowering, not damaging; that is constructive, not debilitating.

The 31-card Deck:

• How to Use These Cards
• Types of Feedback
• SBI Feedback
• SBI Chart
• Practicing SBI
• Giving SBI Feedback
• Receiving SBI Feedback
• Possible Feedback Questions
• Positive Impact Words
• Negative Impact Words
• Ten Common SBI Mistakes (Common SBI Mistake cards #1-10)
• SBI Practice Scenarios (Practice Scenarios #1-6)
• Credit and Resources

The Happiness Factory is a half-day workshop that explores the theory and science of happiness at work and shows employees how to feel more connected to their own company's culture. This learning tool allows participants to develop their workplace satisfaction within the organization's culture.

The Happiness Factory helps participants apply the concept of happiness at work. The workshop demonstrates how to create a work environment that fosters engaged and happy employees. It takes the concept of a manufacturing facility and uses it as an analogy for the production of happiness. Participants move through a series of factory stations that represent an area of the workplace where happiness and engagement can be improved.

The Happiness Factory Participant Workbook is a saddle-stitched printed workbook. Participants explore the importance of a successful onboarding experience and building a connection to the organizational culture that includes creating a better alignment to personal values.

Sold in Pack of 5

[NOTE: In order to use the Participant workbook, you should already have purchased the Happiness Factory Facilitator Guide (see product #RBHFF)]

The Happiness Factory is a half-day workshop that explores the theory and science of happiness at work.

This dynamic learning tool allows participants to develop their workplace satisfaction within the organization's culture and help employees feel more connected to their own company's culture.

The Happiness Factory helps participants apply the concept of happiness at work. The workshop demonstrates how to create a work environment that fosters engaged and happy employees. It takes the concept of a manufacturing facility and uses it as an analogy for the production of happiness. Participants move through a series of factory stations that represent an area of the workplace where happiness and engagement can be improved.

Participants will leave the program being able to find greater fulfillment and enjoyment in their responsibilities and working conditions, recognize management behaviors that have an impact on engagement, and build others' trust and confidence in senior leadership.

OVERVIEW of The Happiness Factory: Creating and Maintaining an Environment That Fosters Employee Engagement by Author Kate Ward

Workplace happiness is no doubt a business advantage. A growing body of statistical research supports both the tangible and intangible benefits of a positive work environment from financial gain to better overall job performance. Though happiness and engagement are often used interchangeably, research tells us there is a clear distinction between the two concepts. In fact, most agree that engagement is a prerequisite to happiness. Without nurturing a greater commitment to the organization, happiness cannot be accessible.

The Happiness Factory takes the concept of a manufacturing facility and uses it as an analogy for the production of happiness.

Participants move through a series of factory "stations" including a reception area, break room, factory floor, supervisor's office, and executive suite–each metaphorically representing a facet of the workplace where organizations can foster the conditions that lead to increased levels of engagement (and ultimately, happiness). Participants will:

• Explore the importance of a successful onboarding experience and building a connection to the organizational culture, including alignment withpersonal values.
• Examine how to redesign tasks, responsibilities and physical working conditions to support greater job fulfillment
• Discover the behaviors that supervisors and senior leadership can exhibit to build organizational trust

This workshop is designed to create a fun and stimulating environment. Each station or module begins with a look at the supporting statistical research that reveals the connection to employee engagement and happiness.

Participants then partake in various group and individual activities that prompt thinking and engagement around the topic, allowing them to leave with a clear understanding of the theory behind happiness at work, as well as specific and realistic strategies they can take to cultivate it.

PURPOSE

The Happiness Factory is intended to help participants to learn and apply the concepts of happiness at work. The workshop will show how to create a work environment that fosters engaged employees, and in turn, happy employees –who are connected to greater productivity and higher retention rates.

• Explore the theory and science of happiness at work.
• Identify facets of the work environment where employee engagement can be positively affected.
• Explore strategies for helping employees to feel connected to the organizational culture.
• Discover techniques for finding greater fulfillment and enjoyment in individual responsibilities and working conditions.
• Recognize the supervisory behaviors that have a direct impact on engagement.
• Examine key concepts for building employees' trust and confidence in senior leadership.

Target Audience

This workshop is aimed at people who have the desire and authority to influence their environment, colleagues, and the employees they supervise (if applicable) in order to create a happier workplace with more engaged employees.

The Happiness Factory Workshop at a Glance

• Welcome and Introduction (15 minutes)
  Participants will explore the purpose and format of the workshop as well as the learning outcomes.

• Topic Overview (45 minutes)
  Participants will explore the theory and science of happiness at work

• Station 1: Reception Area (45 minutes)
  Participants will review the importance of helping new employees to feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

• Station 2: Break Room (45 minutes)
  Participants will examine personal values and brainstorm ways to identify company culture.

• Station 3: Factory Floor (45 minutes)
  Participants will learn how to redefine individual tasks/responsibilities and working conditions to develop a greater sense of fulfillment.

• Station 4: Supervisor's Office (45 minutes)
  Participants will understand the role supervisors play in engagement and the behaviors that contribute to it.

• Station 5: Executive Suite (45 minutes)
  Participants will examine the impact of senior leadership on organizational trust.

• Development Planning (15 minutes)
  Participants will reflect on the ways they can positively influence engagement in their workplace.

• Putting It All Together (15 minutes)
  Participants will review key learning points about engagement and happiness and ask questions.

• Total Workshop Time: 5 hours

What to order:

Facilitator Guide: Order One Guide Per Trainer.

The Facilitator Guide includes a sample watermarked Workbook as well as digital facilitator support materials including PowerPoint Presentation, Learning Overview, Theory Background, Frequently Asked Questions, and Topic Handouts.

Workbook 5-Pack: Order One Pack for Up to Five Participants (sold seperately).

The Workbook deepens participants’ understanding of the concepts and ideas in the workshop and allows each participant to practice the skills being learned.