Challenging Assumptions is widely used in a variety of situations where it is important that people truly understand the message “Change is something that you really have to work at. You will be surprised at how strongly we can hold onto old patterns of behaviour".
Like most good designs its simplicity is its virtue - people just loved this activity so much that we had to produce it in volumes and package it as a stand-alone toolbox which we are now able to offer you.
This simple activity lasts between 10 and 20 minutes and is an ideal way of raising the awareness of a group of learners about the pre-conceptions and assumptions we bring into new situations. This is very valuable in problem-solving or innovative thinking processes as it highlights how we can limit our thinking and reject new possibilities if they do not fit with our existing patterns. Each toolbox contains two puzzles allowing two groups of 3 to 6 learners to work on each puzzle, comparing and contrasting approaches to 'Challenging Assumptions'.
Learners, aware that it is being used on programmes with an element of creative thinking or innovation, often say things such as, "I'm going into this with a really open mind" or "I'm not going to make any assumptions about this". However, these words are often uttered as they are making those very assumptions! As they realise this, the response is often laughter, surprise and a genuine recognition of the strength of some of our personal mental models.
Like most of the RSVP toolboxes, consider using this as a 'sensitisation' tool - getting learners ready for the content to follow; or as a 'reinforcement' exercise - perhaps reminding learners at the end of a session of how difficult it is to put their new learning into practice when they leave the training session.
Price includes UK P&P and VAT. Delivery is usually within three working days.
