Welcome to Braintoffee - for the supply and design of experiential, complex problem-solving activities.
Braintoffee tasks all have intriguing story lines. Groups become immersed in uncertainty and ambiguity and need to draw on high level thinking and behavioural skills.
Working as a team, groups need to create clarity, embrace possibilities, and pursue ideas. The learning is enjoyable and powerful. (see Learning)
Braintoffee tasks all have intriguing story lines. Groups become immersed in uncertainty and ambiguity and need to draw on high level thinking and behavioural skills.
Working as a team, groups need to create clarity, embrace possibilities, and pursue ideas. The learning is enjoyable and powerful. (see Learning)
Taking team problem-solving to a new level.
Braintoffee problem-solving tasks are designed to be used in a table top environment, with small groups or teams to stimulate analytical and creative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving in a dynamic environment. The complexity of the project exposes potential fault-lines in the team process and demonstrates the value of diverse approaches.
They are uniquely designed to challenge a group’s capacity to work with ambiguity and uncertainty. Unlike other problem solving activities, the objective or task is not outlined. There is no structure. There are no problem statements or letters of brief. Only when the task documents are pulled out of the envelope and explored do possible story lines, themes and contexts emerge. Eventually a problem is constructed, and then probably re-constructed. A solution can always be had, but there are many ways of getting to the ending, and information remains fluid across the group until the end.
Braintoffee tasks are grounded in real world scenarios.
Task documents could typically be newspaper reports, business files, copies of an old will, a transcript from a phone tapping, a shipping manifest, tickets, love-letters, business files, ID cards or photographs.
All materials are supplied together with instructions on how to run the activity. Hints on the debrief are also included. Further support, either running the event for a client group or working alongside new facilitators, can be provided at additional cost. Tasks can be ordered in packs for single use or as a download for repeated use (see Catalogue)
What are these tasks like? How do they work?
T
o see how documents can tell a tale - download a free sample of a mini (20 minute) task. You will be required to register with this site. For free download - Catalogue
Braintoffee problem-solving tasks are designed to be used in a table top environment, with small groups or teams to stimulate analytical and creative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving in a dynamic environment. The complexity of the project exposes potential fault-lines in the team process and demonstrates the value of diverse approaches.
They are uniquely designed to challenge a group’s capacity to work with ambiguity and uncertainty. Unlike other problem solving activities, the objective or task is not outlined. There is no structure. There are no problem statements or letters of brief. Only when the task documents are pulled out of the envelope and explored do possible story lines, themes and contexts emerge. Eventually a problem is constructed, and then probably re-constructed. A solution can always be had, but there are many ways of getting to the ending, and information remains fluid across the group until the end.
Braintoffee tasks are grounded in real world scenarios.
Task documents could typically be newspaper reports, business files, copies of an old will, a transcript from a phone tapping, a shipping manifest, tickets, love-letters, business files, ID cards or photographs.
All materials are supplied together with instructions on how to run the activity. Hints on the debrief are also included. Further support, either running the event for a client group or working alongside new facilitators, can be provided at additional cost. Tasks can be ordered in packs for single use or as a download for repeated use (see Catalogue)
What are these tasks like? How do they work?
T
Ideal to explore working in a fluid, dynamic environment.
They are particularly suited to those looking to explore working in a matrix or virtual environment.
Given the unstructured nature and complexity of a Braintoffee task they would typically be used as part of a team development programme (probably not a one day team build unless your team were used to working together), or as part of a module dealing with professional development for potential managers, associates and partners, perhaps through an MBA or in house talent development programme.
Easy to set up, experiential and very compelling for the participants, these activities are also very complex - the success rate is probably about 50%. Clear thinking is an absolute must!
They are particularly suited to those looking to explore working in a matrix or virtual environment.
Given the unstructured nature and complexity of a Braintoffee task they would typically be used as part of a team development programme (probably not a one day team build unless your team were used to working together), or as part of a module dealing with professional development for potential managers, associates and partners, perhaps through an MBA or in house talent development programme.
Easy to set up, experiential and very compelling for the participants, these activities are also very complex - the success rate is probably about 50%. Clear thinking is an absolute must!
Best for
Practicalities
- teams looking for a high level of challenge (see Learning)
- groups looking to develop high order thinking skills (see Learning)
- individuals, teams and groups looking to develop effective behaviours and skills associated with working in uncomfortable situations (see Learning)
Practicalities
- For smart groups of 6-10 people
- Quick, easy setup, almost run themselves
- 2-4 hours task time, plus debrief
- Range of complexity of products available
- Support & training available as required
- Use in any working size room in any location
- Bespoke options available