MASHMALLOW CHALLENGE IS AN EXERCISE THAT FOUNDERS AND COMPANIES SHOULD CONSIDER!
Many founders ask themselves how team processes can be made visible. It is important for start-ups to know how teamwork works. Also how individuals contribute to the group. The question also arises as to whether detailed deliberation is actually always more effective. After all, it is well known that intuitive "gut decisions" are often enough. The urge for organisational and strategic planning then comes at the expense of harmonious cooperation. Consequently, this is at odds with the market's demand for agility.
MARSHMALLOW CHALLENGE - THE TASK
No other game makes start-up team processes visible so quickly.
A group of 4-5 participants has to build the tallest tower within 18 minutes. The highlight - a marshmallow sits enthroned at the top!
Each team will receive the following Marshmallow Challenge material:
-20 Spaghetti
-1 metre adhesive tape
-1 metre of twine
- A marshmallow
But beware! 😉The tower construction must be carried to a table for presentation. Finally, it must not be held or glued to the table.
This is where the first signs of wear on the supposedly robust structure become apparent. The design with supporting noodles, which has just been discussed, proves to be a delicate element. Especially when the marshmallow is attached to the top. The negative consequences for the team are inevitable and end in a deep crisis. This is fuelled by the rivalry battles that are already sapping energy in advance. Probably due to the goal of becoming the next CEO of Spaghetti GmbH.
Let's move on to one of the most important aspects of the Marshmallow Challenge team building activity.
CHILDREN ACHIEVE BETTER RESULTS THAN ADULTS
You are trained to find the only right solution. This is usually based on a well thought-out, strategic approach. Children, on the other hand, achieve far better results on average than adults. This is because kindergarten children reach their goal by means of repetitive prototyping. The children build, test and repeat until they find a structure that works.
True to the build-measure-learn approach, they intuitively built the tallest and most interesting structures.
