Instructor Training Challenge: Leading the Blind with Commands

Name

Leading the Blind with Commands

One-Liner

This challenge tests participants’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as well as to lead and guide others in a difficult situation.

Success Criteria

The blindfolded partner stands on each towel within 1 minute, and the commander uses no more than 2 filler words (like "umm," "ahh," "like," "okay?") in a row.

Failure Criteria

The blindfolded partner does not stand on each towel within 1 minute, or the commander uses filler words more than 2 times in a row.

Core Skill

Communication and Leadership

Who

Partners working together, with one blindfolded and the other giving commands.

What

This is a challenge that tests the participants’ ability to communicate clearly and effectively, as well as to lead and guide others in a difficult situation.

How

1. Put 3 towels on the ground, or 3 pieces of paper. Have them at least 5 feet apart and not in a line.
2. Form partners.
3. One partner is blindfolded. The other partner must use their words and specific commands to get the partner that is blindfolded to walk to each towel and stand on it.
4. The challenge is failed if the blindfolded person doesn’t stand on each towel in less than 1 minute, or if the commander uses “umm, ahh, like, okay?” more than 2 times in a row.
5. Use short simple commands with specific steps needed.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. The participants might face difficulties in giving or following commands that are precise, concise, and unambiguous.
2. The participants might face difficulties in trusting or building rapport with their partner.
3. The participants might face difficulties in coping with the stress, frustration, or confusion that might arise from the challenge.