Teambuilding Activity: Scramble

The DISC behavioral analysis has saved my marriage (and my wife knows I'm saying and writing this ;)). The DISC model identifies preferred styles, strengths, communication, and growth opportunities. DISC enhances knowledge of behavior, helps solve and prevent communication conflicts, improves individual effectiveness within organizations, and encourages talent utilization. Additionally, DISC promotes team cohesion, resulting in better performance.

The following activity is incredibly fun to introduce DISC before delving into more theoretical aspects.

This activity promotes:
- Understanding and acceptance
- Team building
- Communication and making agreements
- Fun
- And who knows what else

Here are the instructions:

Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Participants: 8 or more
Outdoor
Active

Required materials:
Pen and paper (with a table)

Initial setup:
Distribute pens and paper, then give instructions while everyone stands in a circle.

Framework:
The participants have no prior knowledge of DISC. As the trainer, you possess DISC knowledge.

Gameplay:
The activity proceeds as follows:

On the paper, there is a table with 8 rows and 5 columns.
The idea is that as the trainer, you describe statements or situations that are characteristic of the D, I, S, or C style.

For example: "When I read the newspaper, I: A) Skim through the headlines and read the text in broad strokes. I mainly want to know what's happening in the world. Only if I'm interested in a specific topic, I read the corresponding article in its entirety."

After mentioning four such descriptions as the trainer, you indicate which spot (A, B, C, or D) they should run to if they resonate the most with that statement.

Once everyone has chosen their spot, you instruct each group to mark an 'X' in row 1 (first question) under the column D, I, S, or C, depending on how you define the statements and positions.

After conducting 8 to 10 questions, the "Ren je Rot" (Scramble) part is complete.

Next, have everyone count their tally of X's to determine their preferred style. Usually, there will be 3 or 4 X's of the same letter.

If someone can't decide, instruct them to mark an X in the C column.

Evaluation:
What is your preferred style?
Who knows which characteristics align with that style?
You can then begin explaining the styles, preferably using examples from the game. For instance, highlighting how some participants made quick choices while others took longer to think (I and D versus S and C).

Safety check:
Rushing on wet grass can be dangerous. Be cautious.

Note:
During the game, refrain from providing too much explanation about the letters; that will come afterward. It adds more fun if you deliver the descriptions with a lot of humor, allowing people to truly identify with those situations.