Boost Team Morale with Virtual Team Activity

Boost Team Morale with Virtual Team Activity

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Rock: A New Activity
3. How the Game Works in Person
4. Adapting the Game for a Virtual Setting
5. The Goal of the Game
6. Observing Nonverbal Cues
7. How to Determine the Correct Person
8. Stepping Out in the Virtual Context
9. The Role of Private Messaging
10. Strategies for Guessing
11. Debriefing the Game
12. Learning from the Experience

The Rock: A New Activity for Virtual Engagement

At times, it can be challenging to keep participants engaged in virtual activities. However, there is a new game called "The Rock" that aims to create excitement and interaction in virtual settings. Originally known as "You Rock" in a face-to-face setting, the game has been adapted to suit the virtual environment.

In a physical setting, participants would gather in a circle, and the facilitator would discreetly place a rock in one participant's hand behind their back. The objective is for participants to observe nonverbal cues and guess who is holding the rock. If they guess incorrectly, they are out of the game. However, in the virtual context, participants indicate their exclusion by moving off-screen or to the back of the camera.

To ensure the game runs smoothly in the virtual setting, the facilitator privately messages one participant, saying, "You Rock." The guessing begins after a 15-second delay, with participants keenly observing their fellow participants to determine who holds the rock. The goal of the game remains the same: guess the correct person holding the rock to stay in the game.

Observing nonverbal cues becomes essential in this game. Participants need to pay close attention to facial expressions, body language, and any other visual cues that may indicate the person holding the rock. By carefully analyzing these cues, participants can make informed guesses and increase their chances of staying in the game.

Stepping out in the virtual context replaces physically removing oneself from the circle. Participants are required to move off-screen or to a location that clearly demonstrates their disengagement from the game. This virtual equivalent allows efficient exclusion from the game while still maintaining an inclusive and engaging experience for the remaining participants.

As the game progresses, participants must use their observational skills to identify who received the private message saying, "You Rock." It is essential to differentiate between those who received the message and those who did not. The objective is not to make it obvious that one received the message, but rather to make it challenging for others to know who holds the rock.

Strategies for guessing vary, and participants must employ their creativity to uncover the correct person. They can analyze facial expressions, eye movements, and any subtle reactions that may give away the secret. By relying on their ability to read others and make informed guesses, participants can increase their chances of identifying the rock holder correctly.

Once the game concludes, a debriefing session offers an opportunity to reflect on the experience. Participants can discuss their strategies, share observations, and explore the learning outcomes. This debriefing session allows individuals to gain insights about themselves, such as their risk-taking behavior, need for certainty, or how a competitive mindset may influence their decision-making.

The Rock activity encourages participants to learn from their experiences and apply these lessons to their personal and professional lives. By participating in a virtual game that challenges their observational and guessing skills, individuals foster engagement, creativity, and adaptability, enhancing their ability to navigate virtual environments effectively.