Simbols (online version) is an excellent fully virtual experiential learning activity for improving communication skills within a team, and based on the highly successful face to face Simbols physical activity. The team must quickly develop a common language, use problem solving techniques and strategic thinking to succeed in this challenging online team activity. The team must then come together in a second phase time trial to test their assumptions against a challenging team target.

It can be used with a group of 6 to 30 people, and these can be arranged as either a single large team or three sub-teams. Facilitate Simbols (online version) using any simple online video conferencing solution such as MS Teams, Zoom or Google Meet. The set-up and operation is delivered on the experientiallearningtools.com platform.

The annual licence allows for unlimited sessions for up to 30 x learners per session.

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Simbols(86.63 KB)

Learning Objective

• Set up and manage an effective communication system that everyone understands and can use efficiently.

• Develop a dialogue which will lead to a common understanding of abstract concepts.

• Use an effective communications system to deliver a final process implementation stage.

• Deliver a successful solution to the problem against very tight time and quality targets

• Manage each individual’s input and ensure everyone in the team understands

• Understand that everyone will have a different way in which they explain and perceive situations

• Ensure everyone is listened to and understood

• Understand that language and communication is culturally specific

• Team leadership rehearsal opportunities

• Team building, integration and collaboration between teams

• Effective team planning and process improvement

FAQ's

Simbols (online version) is a challenging virtual activity with only one answer to the problem, and only one chance to solve it! Each individual has a number of virtual tiles with symbols on them. Team members need to describe the pattern of these symbols in order to fit their tiles into the correct place on a digital grid. Participants can only communicate verbally and cannot show each other their virtual tiles, meaning each individual must contribute and communicate clearly to solve the problem.

Participants have only one chance to provide the correct answer in the time-frame provided, so process planning and high performance teamwork is vital. Using verbal communication only, participants need to refine and improve their language and communication skills for mutual understanding between team members, simulating everyday communication when a shared visual reference is not available. As well as focusing on improving communication, problem solving skills and team performance, the Simbols (online version) activity also requires strong project planning, strategic thinking, performance improvement, and time management skills as participants are given a strict time limit to complete the final project stage, right first time.

It is also an excellent exercise to use on an international or cross-cultural awareness programme as it rapidly highlights different cultural references and language styles.

Simbols (online version) can be used with a group of 6 to 30 people, and these can be arranged as either as a single team, or three sub-teams, which then re-integrate into one large team for the final assembly. The sub-team version challenges collaboration and communication between remote teams, and how they plan to effectively integrate. Delivery will require access to an online meeting system with breakout room access such as Zoom.

The annual licence allows for unlimited sessions for up to 30 x learners per session, managed by up to two different Trainers/Facilitators. Additional learner groups using the activity at the same time, or additional trainer registrations will require additional user licences. Please contact [email protected] for details

What's Included

Two annual product licences with online facilitator guidance, including:

information and video instruction on setting up the activity and inviting delegates
information and video instruction on operating the activity and facilitating learning for the group
suggestions for reviewing the learning

Online access, and links to the 30 x Simbols tiles for distribution to participants via the custom developed online experiential learning platform at https://experientiallearningtools.com/login

Automated selection of Simbols tile distribution, sent via email to participants for each user group size. Backup individual links can be copied and shared via messaging or private email distribution.

Online access for the participants to complete the digital time trial by placing their own Simbols tiles into the correct place on the grid (viewed by all participants in real time).

All materials and instructions to run either the large single Group version, or the three Team version (four virtual break-out rooms are recommended for this version)

Unlimited use of the activity within the 12 month licence term from the date of purchase, and use of all materials included for up to two simultaneous learner groups of up to 15 x participants each (the ideal maximum recommended size of learner group for this activity).

The ability to add a second trainer to manage up to two groups.

Additional learner groups using the activity at the same time, or additional trainer registrations will require additional user licences. Please contact [email protected] for details.

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