Simbols (online version)

• Set up and manage an effective communication system that everyone understands and can use efficiently.

• Develop a dialogue which will lead to a common understanding of abstract concepts.

• Use an effective communications system to deliver a final process implementation stage.

• Deliver a successful solution to the problem against very tight time and quality targets

• Manage each individual’s input and ensure everyone in the team understands

• Understand that everyone will have a different way in which they explain and perceive situations

• Ensure everyone is listened to and understood

• Understand that language and communication is culturally specific

• Team leadership rehearsal opportunities

• Team building, integration and collaboration between teams

• Effective team planning and process improvement

Simbols (online version) is a challenging virtual activity with only one answer to the problem, and only one chance to solve it! Each individual has a number of virtual tiles with symbols on them. Team members need to describe the pattern of these symbols in order to fit their tiles into the correct place on a digital grid. Participants can only communicate verbally and cannot show each other their virtual tiles, meaning each individual must contribute and communicate clearly to solve the problem.

Participants have only one chance to provide the correct answer in the time-frame provided, so process planning and high performance teamwork is vital. Using verbal communication only, participants need to refine and improve their language and communication skills for mutual understanding between team members, simulating everyday communication when a shared visual reference is not available. As well as focusing on improving communication, problem solving skills and team performance, the Simbols (online version) activity also requires strong project planning, strategic thinking, performance improvement, and time management skills as participants are given a strict time limit to complete the final project stage, right first time.
It is also an excellent exercise to use on an international or cross-cultural awareness programme as it rapidly highlights different cultural references and language styles.

Simbols (online version) can be used with a group of 6 to 30 people, and these can be arranged as either as a single team, or three sub-teams, which then re-integrate into one large team for the final assembly. The sub-team version challenges collaboration and communication between remote teams, and how they plan to effectively integrate.

Delivery will require access to an online meeting system with breakout room access such as Zoom.