GOAL SETTING AND RESOURCES

Last Straw

Goal To examine the impact of goal setting and resource utilization on task completion.

Participants will work in groups to build the highest freestanding structure from drinking straws using the least costly resources.

Time Required Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour

Group Size Subgroups of three to five persons each, with a maximum of twenty five participants

Materials

• Several boxes of bendable drinking straws, paper clips, rubber bands, pins, and masking tape

• One copy of the Last Straw Requisition Form and a pencil for each subgroup

• A measuring tape or yardstick

• Scissors

PROCESS

1. Prior to the session, place the materials (straws, paper clips, rubber bands, pins, tape) on a table that is easily accessible to all groups.

2. Form subgroups of three to five persons each.

3. Explain that teams will attempt to construct a freestanding framework of drinking straws that is taller than any other team’s structure using the least costly set of materials. The winner will be determined using the calculation formula of $5 per inch of height minus the total cost of materials. Additional building materials include paper clips, rubber bands, pins, and masking tape. Teams will have 10 minutes to plan and 20 minutes to carry out the construction phase.

4. Distribute one copy of the requisition form and a pencil to each subgroup.

5. Allow teams 10 minutes to plan and complete the requisition form. Collect the forms and distribute the materials to each team as requested.

6. Signal for the construction to begin. Time the activity for 20 minutes, giving a 3-minute warning before time expires. During this time, use the flip chart to record the cost of materials purchased by each team; keep the information concealed.

7. Measure each structure and record the height for each team on the flip chart next to the cost. Determine the winner by using the calculation formula of $5 per inch for height minus the total cost of materials.

8. Facilitate a large group discussion by asking the following questions:

• How did your team develop a plan for the structure?

• Did your team need to alter its original plan during the actual construction? Why or why not?

• What was your team’s goal for the structure’s height? Was the goal met? Why or why not?

• How did the cost of materials figure into your plan? Was the estimate realistic? Why?

• If you were able to do the task again, what, if anything, would you have done differently?

• What role did creativity play in accomplishing the task?

• How does this activity relate to the actual completion of tasks in the workplace?

• What can your service team do differently to improve its work performance in terms of goal setting? In terms of resource utilization?