Activity Overview
Solid objects that may remind the leader to seek to achieve balance are recognized in this module.
Objectives
- To examine the significance of symbolic objects and their use as reminders.
- To discover goals that help us attain balance.
- To see or reinforce the idea that balance means different things to different people.
Training Methods
- Hands-on activity
- Round-robin discussion
- Reflection
Materials Needed
Gather common objects that can be linked with symbolic significance, or provide participants with a list of 2 to 4 objects to bring to the event. (The second method precipitates more involvement.) Objects should not be valuable or have sentimental value, in case something is lost. Here is a sample list to encourage creativity.
- Aspirin bottle
- Lightbulb
- Soap
- Bottle of water
- Magazine
- Spring (from ballpoint pen)
- Battery
- Mirror
- Tape measure
- Calorie chart
- Rubberband
- Thermometer
- Candle
- Salt shaker
- Toy top
- Candy bar
- Seeds
- Jump rope
- Shoelaces
Room Setup
- Place objects on a table
- Arrange chairs in a circle
It is very important when developing leadership competencies to do a variety of things to help people recall their accomplishments and achievements. The activity is quite versatile: It can be used to remind people about competencies after a training session or a discussion. The example we chose to explain is used after a balance activity. How does one remember to maintain balance in one’s life?
Step by Step Instructions
- Introduce the activity by asking participants what a talisman is. Acknowledge all responses given. (A sample response is ‘A talisman is a common object that a person chooses to represent something he/she wishes to commit to or accomplish). Also, ask what participants feel are the advantages of a Talisman
- Everyone now has to select a talisman for themselves picking an object from the table that will remind them of one way that they will strive to achieve balance. (Note: Participants may choose an object other than the one they brought.) Every participant needs to think about what they will say to others regarding how their chosen talisman can act as a reminder to balance their life’s activities.”
- Instruct participants to now share their ideas to share ideas. Ask each participant to briefly explain what they chose and why it “spoke” out to them or captured their attention. For example, “I chose this battery. I am going to put it on my desk, and every time I feel myself running low on energy, I am going to remember that I need a way to recharge myself.” Allow everyone to take a turn, keeping a balance between seriousness and light heartedness.
- Bring the activity to a close by talking a little about talismans and their importance in a cultural context. Encourage them to use the one they chose today (or one they select later on) to remind them of the importance of balance.
Activity review
Take time shortly after conducting this activity to reflect on how it went, how engaged the participants were, and what questions they raised. Then, make notes that include how much time you actually spent on the activity.
