Achieve Optimal Team Effectiveness
 Teams exist in practically every type of work environment and research tells us they become high performing when they differentiate themselves in seven key performance areas. Tall Ships is a fast-paced teamwork simulation game that focuses on the “Seven C’s of Effective Team Performance”: Clarity, Capability, Collaboration, Commitment, Communication, Continuous Improvement, and Creativity. Participants will learn the purpose of these essentials and how they are each dependent upon the other to achieve success.
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What You Will Achieve with the Game - Practice and understand the seven factors critical to effective teamwork
- Identify strategies to improve team performance
- Learn how to apply the seven skills in an actual team scenario
Theory and Development
Studies show that effective team performance is the result of several interconnected components that, when encouraged, create ideal conditions for success. This research also points out that high- performing teams differentiate themselves in seven key areas known as the Seven C's of Effective Team Performance. These "Seven C's", the basis of Tall Ships, operate both as a system and as separate elements.
Clarity
An understanding of the team’s purpose, expected outcomes, roles, responsibilities, and stakeholder expectations.
Capability
Having the necessary skills and knowledge (or ensuring individuals acquire the necessary skills) to complete tasks efficiently and appropriately.
Collaboration
An understanding of how to work together and use resources effectively to achieve team goals.
Commitment
A high degree of dedication to the team’s mission and to each other.
Communication
An understanding of positive communication practices, including active listening and giving and receiving feedback.
Continuous Improvement
A commitment to constantly enhancing work processes and team effectiveness.
Creativity
Conditions that encourage diverse thinking, new ideas, and innovative solutions.
Uses for the Product
Tall Ships can be used as a standalone learning workshop or integrated into a larger training event. The design can be easily customized to address specific organizational issues or needs such as change management, leadership development, process improvement, quality awareness, corporate consolidation, and safety awareness.
How it Works
Three game rounds reveal the team dynamics that impact team effectiveness. In Round One, teams are asked to assemble the tallest ship mast possible in the least amount of time. Lessons learned from this round are discussed and applied to the Seven C’s model. Round Two challenges teams to rethink their strategy and build yet a taller mast in the same amount of time, but at the lowest cost. Following a team performance assessment and debrief, teams make one last attempt at the task, assembling the mast according to new specifications and requirements. Finally, an action-planning phase provides teams and team members with an opportunity to improve their performance.
What to Order
Each Complete Game includes materials to simultaneously train three teams of 5-7 participants. All parts except for the Participant Guides are reusable. Participant Guides Refill 5-Packs are also available for individual purchase. For larger groups, order one Game Pack for each additional team of 5–7 participants.
Product Type
Game
Objective
To learn about and improve seven team skills
Time Required
1 ½ - 2 hours
About the author
Stu Noble, EdD
Dr. Noble, president and founder of 3D Learning, has almost 20 years experience in Human Resources Management as well as Quality and Organizational Development. Prior to forming 3D Learning, Stu was a Senior Associate with Block Petrella Weisbord, Inc., a leading edge Organizational Development Consulting firm. As an OD Consultant, he specializes in high involvement strategic visioning, planning and work redesign, as well as leadership and team (including virtual) development. |
