From Teeth to Team Tactics
On Wednesday, my colleague Andra Stefanescu and I hosted an engaging session using Play-Doh and the Play-Doh Dentist Kit. This was one of our experimental sessions designed for experienced and curious facilitators. The playful approach of using teeth as a metaphor for team dynamics provided a fresh perspective on teamwork and team tactics. We utilized several cans of Play-Doh, the dentist kit, and the Team Tactics Card Deck by Pip Deck.
Why the Teeth/Dentist Metaphor?
Everyone can relate to the importance of dental care.
It’s something we take seriously because we know that even though we have many teeth, just one bad tooth can make us feel miserable.
The same principle applies to teams: if one member is struggling, it affects the entire group. Proactive care is crucial—addressing issues before they start to hurt.
The Workshop Structure
Introduction: Brief overview of the session.
Getting Familiar: Exploring the materials.
First Task: Craft a current team issue or challenge using Play-Doh.
Intermezzo: Introduction to the Pip Deck.
Second Task: Identify relevant themes for your issue using the Card Deck (e.g., Team Direction, Communication, Team Support).
Third Task: Pair up and brainstorm solutions, either independently or with the help of the Card Deck.
Presentation: Share the solutions with the group.
Takeaways
Play-Doh is a fantastic tool to spark conversations.
The teeth-to-team metaphor requires a bit of introduction but resonates well once understood.
It’s easy to get participants engaged with Play-Doh.
The Play-Doh Dentist Kit proved to be an effective and engaging way to explore teamwork. By focusing on proactive care and early issue detection, we can cultivate healthier, more effective teams.