Bridges, Magnets, and Islands
Group facilitation methods: Reflection / Dialogue
Identification
Participants use bridges, magnets and islands as metaphors to explore group dynamics.
This can be used in any team building program.
Howto
Context
We are going to use the metaphors of bridges, magnets, and islands to discuss the dynamics of groups.
Every group has different degress of bridges, magnets and islands.
Steps
1. If in a group over 12, you might divide in to smaller groups.
2. Have each group list 10 to 15 words they associate with each of the 3 terms, bridges, magnets, and islands. Capture these on flipcharts.
3. Ask participants to discuss how bridges operate in groups.
4. Ask participants to discuss how magnets operate in groups.
5. Ask participants to discuss how islands operatea in groups.
6. Now discuss different combinations of these things change groups dynamics. What are some illustrations of these dynamics.
Reflection
1. If you divide into groups ask: What were some of the associations your made with bridges... magnets,... islandds.
2. What were some of the dynamics you discussed.
3. What are some of the insights from the discussion?
4. What are some things you learned?
5. What can you use in your work with groups?
Background
Bonnie Tsai, tsaibonnie@hotmail.com
