Creative Thinking Course Modules

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 60 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about the environment they live or work in.
• To encourage participants to consider the impact the physical environment might have on creativity.
• To consider ways in which space can be made 'creative'.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Cardboard boxes, coloured card, marker pens. See notes.

Notes:
You will need to provide teams with materials with which to create a model of their ideal office for this exercise. The materials you provide each team should include, but need not be limited to:
• A cardboard box for each team (an old crisp box or similar is ideal).
• Coloured marker pens.
• Coloured paper or card.
• Scissors.
• Glue.
• Sticky tape.

In addition to these basic requirements, consider adding any other materials that might help the teams build imaginative models - for example: Modelling clay, string, tissue paper etc.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be complete within 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 75 minutes to complete the module.

Aims:
• To identify specific actions that will enable groups to achieve a shared vision.
• To help individuals see how they will contribute to the achievement of a shared vision.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with most workshop/courses but is not recommended for use where the group has more than 25 participants (e.g., conferences).

Useful For:
Staff at all levels working in a team. It is particularly well suited to new teams formed for a fixed period to manage/implement a project.

You'll Need:
• Plenty of sheets of thin A4 card.
• A selection of coloured pens (felt tip pens are ideal).

Notes:
This module allows the group to share their ideas on how they intend to work together to achieve a shared vision. The group need to be clear about what their vision is.

If this isn’t the case, then you might wish to use the module, Creating a Shared Vision beforehand to achieve this.

If you are using the organisation, or team’s vision statement, you will need to pre-prepare a visual aid (PowerPoint or Flipchart) to display at the start of the exercise.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 25 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To explain the key rules of brainstorming.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Junior staff or those unfamiliar with brainstorming as an idea generation technique.

You'll Need:
• Flipchart paper and coloured marker pens for every team.

Notes:
You may come across participants who question the use of the word brainstorming, and suggest it is offensive to people who suffer epilepsy.

Our research indicates that the concern over the word brainstorming is something of an urban myth. Charities representing those who suffer from epilepsy say they have asked people suffering from epilepsy and concluded that the word brainstorming does not cause concern. Indeed, the word bears no relation to what actually happens to someone suffering epilepsy.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To consider the importance of momentum when innovating.
• To look at what builds momentum behind a project or idea, and what saps energy from a project or idea.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Managers.

You'll Need:
For this exercise you'll need to be able to split your participants into 2 teams, each with a different room to work in.

You'll also need to gather a set of 'building materials' for each team.

Typically, we provide each team with the following:
• 20 'pick-up' sticks.
• 3 pairs of scissors.
• 4 rulers.
• 6 sheets of A3 card (or 12 sheets of A4 card).
• A ball of string.
• A roll of sticky tape.

You can vary the materials you provide in any way you wish - the important thing is that each team must have exactly the same materials to work with (including the same number of pairs of scissors etc). You'll also need a toy car for each team (each should be the same size and weight). Choose a car that is 'Dinky' sized, rather than 'Matchbox' sized. (More mature UK readers will know what we mean!) For those of you who don't, we mean a car that is not too small - aim for something about six or seven inches long and weighing about 1lb (500 gram). We want this exercise to be challenging.

Notes:
For very large groups (20 or more participants) you’ll need more than 2 teams. Establish a number of small teams with 4 or 5 participants in them, and some very large teams with perhaps a dozen participants in them.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To demonstrate the importance of determination in building resilience.
• To identify what determination is and where it comes from.
• To list some of the key factors that help make people more determined.
• To identify ways to become more determined.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Staff and managers at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 35 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To recognise the impact of imposed change on people.
• To remind participants how easy it is for progress to be lost and for things to slip back to the way they were before.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
You may want to read the article ‘When Change Really Hurts’ by Sheila Williams, which is available in Trainers’ Library. This provides background information about the change curve, which you may want to reference in your discussion.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be complete within 90 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 120 minutes to complete the module.

Aims:
• To agree what success looks like for everyone.
• To establish effective working relationships within groups or teams.
• To create a vision statement for the team.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with most workshop/courses but is not recommended for use where the group has more than 25 participants (e.g., conferences).

Useful For:
Staff at all levels working in a team. It is particularly well suited to new teams formed for a fixed period to manage/implement a project.

You'll Need:
• Plenty of post-it notes and flipchart paper.
• A selection of craft materials such as paints, brushes, glue, magazines, pieces of material. (You may prefer to restrict the materials available to coloured pens and paper, depending on the make up of the group you are working with.)

Notes:
This module allows the group to share ideas about what is important to them and to agree some communal aim, values and aspirations. As a result of this exercise the whole team will participate in the creation of a shared vision.

This activity can be used as a stand-alone activity or combined with others to form a longer event. The module Achieving a Shared Vision naturally leads on from this module.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To give participants an opportunity to design an innovative icebreaker or energiser exercise.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 15 participants.

Useful For:
Anyone involved in designing or delivering training, or who soon will be.

You'll Need:
• A kitbag of materials that your participants can use for their exercise. It is recommended that you have one kitbag for every 3 participants.

Notes:
This module involves participants, working in small teams, designing and then facilitating a short training exercise. In addition to the time shown above, you’ll need to allow about 10 minutes for each team to deliver their new activity, but these do not need to be run consecutively. Indeed, you might prefer to intersperse the delivery element with your own training sessions throughout the day, so that they act as energisers.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library called Creative Training Design - Remote Delivery.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To explore the process of creative problem solving.
• To explain the role of idea generation and other creative thinking techniques.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This module provides an introductory overview of a creative problem solving process. Trainers' Library contains many practical modules for developing the skills required for each stage, including modules that introduce techniques for generating, exploring and evaluating ideas.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To explore personal experiences of applying creativity.
• To introduce some of the barriers to creativity.
• To gain an understanding of how creative participants currently feel.
• To examine typical responses to creative behaviour.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A piece of string that is approximately 4 metres in length.
• Post it notes.
• A large piece of paper or whiteboard.

Notes:
For this module you will need to prepare a timeline. This is simply a line on a long piece of paper (perhaps several pieces of flipchart paper stuck together) or a whiteboard, with ages spread evenly along it.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 40 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 75 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to consider existing attitudes towards creativity.
• To encourage participants to consider the culture/environment in which they work, and its impact upon creative thinking.
• To encourage participants to consider the extent to which creative thinking skills exist within their organisation.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
The module provides participants with an opportunity to reflect on where they think the organisation(s) they work for are in terms of encouraging and embracing creativity and innovation.

The questionnaire is not scientific, and the results will only reflect participants’ current perceptions of the organisation they work in, which might be very different to those of other people.

The questionnaire can be sent to participants for completion prior to the training or completed during the training itself. If you decide to give the questionnaire to participants during the training, it is probably best to do this early on, as an introductory session.

If you have any concerns about the team’s ability or willingness to share their feelings openly and honestly, distribute the handout before the training session, with a clear deadline for returning it to you. Emphasise that the results will be collated and shared anonymously.

Before the training session, collate the results and calculate the average scores. This approach will reduce the time needed to run this module by 10 minutes.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 50 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To expose any preconceived ideas about what creativity is.
• To explore stereotypes relating to creativity.
• To provide a clear definition of creativity that removes the mysticism associated with the word.
• To consider the relationship between creativity and innovation (optional - this element is also covered in creative thinking - creative problem solving process).

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Enough space for 3 teams to be able to work without being overheard.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To help participants understand what it feels like to be engaged in their job and the difference it makes to how they feel and the quality of their work.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of between 3 and 16 participants.

Useful For:
Participants with managerial responsibility (or those who will have imminently.)

You'll Need:
• A Bridge Constructor Kit for each team.
• A separate area for each team to work in, where they will be out of sight of the other team(s).

Notes:
It is advisable to start this exercise without too much introduction – just hand out the briefings and let them get on with it.

Whilst this works very well as a stand-alone exercise, we thoroughly recommend using it in conjunction with Employee Engagement 1, Employee Engagement 2 and Employee Engagement 3. .

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 50 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To show the importance of properly evaluating ideas and solutions.
• To explain the need for a structured approach to evaluation.
• To introduce one method for evaluating ideas and solutions.
• To provide an opportunity for participants to practice evaluating ideas.
• To encourage participants to recognise the need to tweak/adapt ideas and then re-evaluate them.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
You will need to ensure you have familiarised yourself with the 4-stage process explained in the handout, before running this module.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 45 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 60 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To show participants how to break problems down.
• To give participants an opportunity to practise using a Fishbone Chart.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Post-it notes and flipchart paper.

Notes:
We suggest that before attending this training module, you ask participants to identify a workplace problem that they need to address. If participants work together you can encourage them to identify an issue they can work on together in the training.

You should pre-prepare a flipchart with the ‘bones’ of a Fishbone Chart for use in the first part of the module.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce ‘Forced Connections’ as a tool for generating unusual ideas by linking seemingly unrelated items.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise using the technique.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A bag or other container containing a selection of small toys or other random objects. Try to make the selection as varied as possible.
• The Activity Link and your PIN, and an internet connection to stream the video.

Notes:
If you do not have an internet connection in your training room, we have included a handout containing a worked example of the technique covered by this module.

There are a number of modules that introduce different idea generation techniques. As well as this one, have a look at Reframe, Idea Box and Reversal.

We strongly recommend introducing several different idea generation techniques in any creative thinking or problem solving course/workshop.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce one way to investigate problems.
• To provide a structured approach for identifying the causes of a problem.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 15 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This module considers how problems are often expressed as symptoms and the importance of understanding what is causing those symptoms before taking action.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to consider their attitude.
• To encourage discussion around optimistic versus pessimistic outlooks.
• To recognise the impact that attitude has on performance.
• To enable participants to identify personal traits that might be holding them back.
• To encourage leaders to consider how they might deal with negative attitudes in their team.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This module provides an excellent opportunity, when working with a wide range of participants, to consider how attitude can impact on performance. Topics where the inclusion of a module looking at optimism/pessimism might be beneficial include:
• Managing change.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Customer service.
• Selling skills.
• Leading a team.
• Strategic leadership.
• Communication skills.
• Planning and scheduling.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 75 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 120 minutes for this module if working with 10-12 participants.

It is strongly recommended that, for maximum impact and best overall use of time, this module is run in conjunction with the other modules from the Hotel Doldrums series.

Aims:
• To build an understanding of the key steps in strategic planning.
• To encourage participants to analyse financial and other data using a SWOT analysis.
• To encourage participants to think about where they are now, before moving on in the next module to consider where they want to be.

Group Size:
An ideal group size for this module is 12, with participants working in 3 teams of 4. If you have more than 15 participants in your group, you may want to consider ‘doubling up’ on some of the briefs with more than one team using the same scenario. This doesn’t detract from the learning; in fact it can be interesting to see how different teams approach the same problem and task.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels including individuals, groups and teams that need to use strategic planning and analysis skills in the workplace.

You'll Need:
Each team will need a hotel data pack (provided) and a syndicate room or area.

Notes:
Hotel Doldrums is a series of modules that are designed to be run in sequence.

Together they form a complete 1.5 day workshop, which can be run as a single workshop, or as three independent sessions, each lasting between 2 and 4 hours. We’ve also suggested other modules you could add to the programme, if you have more time available.

Hotel Doldrums can also be run as a teambuilding game, where teams are left to compete with less facilitator involvement during the exercise, but a thorough review at the end. This takes about 3.5 hours to run.

If you prefer to use the teambuilding version of Hotel Doldrums, please download the trainer’s notes from the teambuilding games section of Trainers’ Library.

This series of modules is set in the context of the hotel industry but requires no specialist knowledge of it.

The modules, when used together, also draw out skills relating to business planning, problem solving, influencing, team working and making presentations.

This module follows on from Hotel Doldrums, part 1, and is not designed to be used as a stand-alone module.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 135 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 180 minutes for this module if working with 10-12 participants.

Aims:
• To give participants the opportunity to identify and explore options and appraise these.
• For participants to create a 3-5 year outline strategic plan based on the fictional case study they’ve been given.

Group Size:
An ideal group size for this module is 12, with participants working in 3 teams of 4. If you have more than 15 participants in your group, you may want to consider ‘doubling up’ on some of the briefs with more than one team using the same scenario. This doesn’t detract from the learning; in fact it can be interesting to see how different teams approach the same problem and task.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels including individuals, groups and teams that need to use strategic planning and analysis skills in the workplace.

You'll Need:
Each team will a hotel data pack (provided) and a syndicate room or area.

Notes:
Hotel Doldrums is a series of modules that are designed to be run in sequence.

Together they form a complete 1.5 day workshop, which can be run as a single workshop, or as three independent sessions, each lasting between 2 and 4 hours. We’ve also suggested other modules you could add to the programme, if you have more time available.

This module follows on from Hotel Doldrums, parts 1 and 2, and is not designed to be used as a stand-alone module.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 140 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 240 minutes for this module if working with 10-12 participants.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to develop a strategy from the options generated in previous sessions.
• To encourage participants to prepare and give a persuasive presentation outlining their strategy and the work they have done.
• To reflect on the learning from the Hotel Doldrums series of modules.

Group Size:
An ideal group size for this module is 12, with participants working in 3 teams of 4. If you have more than 15 participants in your group, you may want to consider ‘doubling up’ on some of the briefs with more than one team using the same scenario. This doesn’t detract from the learning; in fact it can be interesting to see how different teams approach the same problem and task.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels including individuals, groups and teams that need to use strategic planning and analysis skills in the workplace.

You'll Need:
Each team will a hotel data pack (provided) and a syndicate room or area.

Notes:
Hotel Doldrums is a series of modules that are designed to be run in sequence.

Together they form a complete 1.5 day workshop, which can be run as a single workshop, or as three independent sessions, each lasting between 2 and 4 hours. We’ve also suggested other modules you could add to the programme, if you have more time available.

The modules, when used together, also draw out skills relating to business planning, problem solving, influencing, team working and making presentations.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce 'Idea Box' as an idea generation technique.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise using the technique.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Breakout rooms or separate work areas.

Notes:
There are several modules that introduce different idea generation techniques. As well as this one, have a look at Forced Connections, Reframe and Reversal.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To demonstrate how memory can be improved just by using it differently.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing, other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This fun activity can be used either as an icebreaker or as a module on a longer ‘Concentration and Memory’ course. It can also be used in Train the Trainer training or any training where you want people to think about how they can make their message more memorable.

The exercise is intended to encourage participants to experiment with the method using their own examples and with time to practice, should also reassure participants that no one needs to struggle with a poor memory – improvements can be fast and tangible.

It’s a great tool too for encouraging participants to think about how they retain and recall new information and how they’ll store information you’re going to give them in the rest of the training.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to try creating innovative solutions from seemingly wacky ideas.
• To illustrate how the craziest ideas can contain the germ of brilliance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
During this exercise participants will be solving a problem. We have provided some suggested topics but, where appropriate, we recommend using a real issue that your participants need to address.

For example, this exercise was used with a government’s Transport Department. The participants (from junior to senior members of staff) used this technique to identify how to tackle the congested roads in their biggest city.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 50 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To provide a basic understanding of continuous improvement as a process and management tool.
• To place continuous improvement in context through a participatory exercise.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Old newspapers and sticky tape - see notes.

Notes:
You will need a large pile of old newspapers and some reels of sticky tape for this exercise.

You will also need to have made one "standard design" camel from folding or scrunching newspaper and using sticky tape.

This camel should have discernible legs, a head and a hump; but does not have to be a work of art! The participants need to be able to roughly copy it (note - the exercise is about improving upon the original). Finally you need to make a baton from newspaper, which will be used to bat the camel along in the camel races.

You will also require space to set up a track - this can usually be achieved by safely moving tables and chairs to the sides of the room.

You may wish to have a supply of small prizes available for the camel race winners.

Time:
This game can be played in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion and evaluation, we recommend allowing 60 minutes.

Aims:
• To explore common problems/conundrums associated with working in telesales or a call centre role and discuss ways of overcoming these.
• To identify and share best practices and tips for making calls successful.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Telesales and telephone skills, customer service, communication skills, effective questioning, building rapport, creative thinking and problem solving.

Group Size:
In this exercise participants can play individually, although we recommend they play in pairs/small teams.

Useful For:
Staff who are involved in a telesales or customer facing call centre role.

You'll Need:
• A counter for every team.
• Dice.
• A 'Pitfalls and Trampolines' game board and a set of Pitfalls cards and Trampoline cards for each game in play.

Notes:
Pitfalls and Trampolines is a fun board game. It can be used at any point within a training event, but is perhaps most useful as a tool for reviewing key learning points and for sharing knowledge and ideas.

Some of the cards may not be applicable to your participants so, before starting the exercise, review all of the Pitfalls and Trampoline cards and remove any that aren't relevant.

Endorsed by The National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers, NASBTT.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This game can be played in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion and evaluation, we recommend allowing 60 minutes.

Aims:
• To examine common problems/conundrums associated with giving presentations and discuss ways of overcoming these.
• To highlight and share best practices and tips for making presentations successful.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Presentation skills, communication skills, influence and persuasion, planning and preparation, creative thinking and audience engagement.

Group Size:
In this exercise participants can play individually, although we recommend they play in pairs/small teams.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A counter for every team.
• Dice.
• A 'Pitfalls and Trampolines' game board and a set of Pitfalls cards and Trampoline cards for each game in play.

Notes:
Pitfalls and Trampolines is a fun board game. It can be used at any point within a training event, but is perhaps most useful as a tool for reviewing key learning points and for sharing knowledge and ideas.

Some of the cards may not be applicable to your participants so, before starting the exercise, review all of the Pitfalls and Trampolines cards and remove any that aren’t relevant.

Endorsed by The National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers, NASBTT.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 60 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To explain the difference between reproductive and productive thinking.
• To explain the dangers of relying on reproductive thinking when solving problems.
• To provide an opportunity for participants to practise productive thinking.
• To get participants in the right mindset for productive idea generation.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing, other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 100 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 155 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To provide participants with a simple but effective five stage method for planning a project or complex task.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 24 participants. Ideally, you'll have an even number of participants so they can work in pairs.

Useful For:
Anyone who needs to set up and/or commission and/or manage projects.

You'll Need:
• Post-it notes.

Notes:
There is nothing particularly complex or difficult about project planning; it simply requires a logical approach. If you are new to the topic, we suggest you take time to read and digest the pre-module reading. You might find it helpful to work through each of the stages yourself, using a project of your own - perhaps planning a course.

Although you will have asked participants to bring the pre-module reading with them, in practice some will forget. It’s a good idea to have spare copies ready in case this happens.

It’s a good idea to print more copies of the handouts than there are participants because these may be needed if someone has a particularly complex project to plan.

We have suggested that you ask participants to work in pairs. However, this module could easily be adapted and used by a complete project team to plan one project.

It is helpful if each pair has a table of their own where they can carry out the practical exercises. If you have a large group you will probably need a breakout room.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 70 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 80 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To minimise the likelihood of crises and project failure through a simple risk analysis and contingency planning process.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 24 participants. Ideally, you'll have an even number of participants so they can work in pairs.

Useful For:
Anyone who needs to set up and/or commission and/or manage projects.

You'll Need:
• Post-it notes.

Notes:
This is the second module in the Project Planning series, covering Risk Analysis and Contingency Planning. The first module, Project Planning – Part 1, must be run before this one.

If you are running this module on a different date from the first module it would be sensible to remind participants to bring their completed project plan from the previous session to this one.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce 'Reframe' as an idea generation technique.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise using the technique.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
Refer to the handout for a worked example of the technique covered by this module.

This is a very powerful tool but a bit more difficult to use effectively than Reversal. We suggest using reversal first if groups aren’t familiar with idea generation techniques.

We strongly recommend introducing several different idea generation techniques in any creative thinking or problem solving course/workshop.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This exercise will take about 25 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To consider the behaviours adopted by creative people.
• To encourage participants to consider their own use of these behaviours.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
The exercise used in this module is designed to provoke thought about the extent to which participants adopt the behaviours of bravery, inquisitiveness, receptiveness and drive in their business and personal lives. It is not intended as a ‘test’ of creativity. It can however, help individuals identify some of their personal barriers to creativity.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce 'Reversal' as an idea generation technique.
• To provide participants with an opportunity to practise using the technique.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
Refer to the handout for a worked example of the technique covered by this module.

This tends to be one of the first idea generation techniques we introduce, as it is very easy to teach and participants tend to be very receptive to it.

We strongly recommend that you follow it up with some more techniques for idea generation. Options include Forced Connections, Reframe and Idea Box.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 40 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 70 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To generate ideas for improving customer service, a process, department, business…any aspect of a business or organisation.
• To encourage participants to think from different angles.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of almost any size.

Useful For:
Anyone who wants to generate ideas for continuous improvement.

You'll Need:
• A set of ‘Brainstorm Bench’ cards.

Notes:
Although the brainstorm/discussion activity and discussion can be completed in 40 minutes, we strongly recommend adding the action planning activity outlined at the end of the module, which adds a further 30 minutes, unless this is incorporated elsewhere in your training.

We’ve included some wacky questions in the set of Brainstorm Bench cards. These are in blue to make them easier to identify, so you can decide if you’d like to include them.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This exercise will take about 60 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 90 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to think about the extent to which staff feel engaged with the organisation they work for.
• To consider who staff feel is responsible for business performance.
• To think about how vision and values are used within the organisation.
• To demonstrate how values can be ingrained in the organisation.
• To consider the benefits of an organisation where staff feel engaged and responsible for the business outcomes.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Managers.

You'll Need:
For this exercise you will need a good quantity of greeting card making materials. For example: Glue, Double sided tape or pads, Scissors, Card of various colours and textures, ribbon of various colours and gold/silver markers.

You'll need enough materials for each team of 4-6 participants to make one 'template' card and one 'team' card of their own design.

Notes:
This exercise was first used at the 2008 Trainers' Library Conference and has been designed around the five 'passions' that underpin our business. It's an unusually personal module that we've used to share some of the key principles and approaches that we believe have been key to the success of Glasstap. It's been added to Trainers' Library in response to requests from participants who attended the conference.

You can use the five values we’ve suggested for the exercise to great effect, but the exercise can be easily adapted to your own organisation’s vision and values. However, we strongly recommend limiting the number of values used in this exercise to 6 or fewer. If your organisation doesn’t have a clear set of values or principles, you could use an exercise like ‘Feelings Cards’ to generate discussion around people’s values and to identify some possible organisational values for the future.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library called The E-Card Factory - Balancing Business with Values.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 60 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To see how creatively participants are able to address a simple challenge.
• Understand the importance of ‘thinking outside the box’ to achieve even better results.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• An empty box for each team.
• Building materials such as pipe cleaners, newspaper, paper clips, lollypop sticks, string, glue dots, paper straws and dried spaghetti.
• 1 golf ball or hard-boiled egg per team, with an additional 6 to use for testing the bridges.
• A separate room for each team. (If that is not possible, we encourage you to look for ways for the teams to shield their activities from the other participants.)
• Post-it notes.
• Flipchart paper and pens.
• Several small prizes for the winning teams (optional).

Notes:
You will need to prepare a box for each team containing an identical selection of the building materials of your choice. Each team will also need at least one golf ball or egg.

Time:
The exercise in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To introduce participants to each other in a fun manner.
• To demonstrate how creative ideas can be generated – even in a short space of time.
• To get teams and participants to share resources and work appropriately within a given time limit.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of any size.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
To run this exercise you will need to provide a box of resources. These can easily be collected and used again and again. Try to add things to the box that are unusual. The basic resources we suggest are: - Varied topic magazines/colour supplements, sticky tape, scissors, newspapers, ribbon, coloured card, feathers, balloons, scraps of material, coloured markers or felt tip pens. You might also choose to award a few small prizes such as sweets, fruit etc.

Notes:
This fun activity is suitable for very large audiences as well as smaller groups.

The activity is designed to get people working in teams, sharing resources and ideas and working against the clock. It is meant to be a fast and FUN exercise.

The exercise also works well if the participants are staying overnight on a residential course when, as an alternative to a conventional icebreaker, you can use this exercise last thing in the day. Ask all the participants to turn up for dinner wearing their hats – prizes can be awarded over dinner.

We've included some suggested competition categories in the handout but you may wish to add others (particularly if working with a very large group).

The handout refers to a 50 pence spending limit. Customers from outside the UK may wish to change this by downloading and amending the Word version of the handout.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 55 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To provide an explanation of left/right brain thinking.
• To explain the importance of 'whole brain thinking'.
• To explain how our development and education may have affected the way we think.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
This module is based on the work of Roger Sperry and Robert Ornstein who developed the theory of left brain/right brain thinking. Some now feel that the model is flawed and certainly we represent a very simple overview of the idea that different parts of the brain control different types of thinking. (We now know for instance that it's not just about left or right brain but about which part of the brain is used too - cerebal, limbic etc.)

However, this exercise still has merit as a way of showing the importance of all types of thinking to creativity and innovation and that it's not just about being 'wacky'.

Time:
The exercises in this module will take about 30 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 60 minutes to complete this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on the idea that the way we phrase problems can impact our ability to find creative solutions to them.
• To demonstrate a way to change and broaden our perspective on problems to enable creative solution finding.

Group Size:
This module is suitable for use with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Breakout rooms or work areas separate to the main training room.

Notes:
This module introduces a powerful tool that can help the creative problem-solving process. It is best introduced before idea generation techniques like Reversal, Forced Connections etc.

(Previously called Magnifying the Problem, the module has been updated.)

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.