LIMITED RESOURCES

Color Quest

Goal To identify how limited resources affect performance, goal setting, strategic planning, and negotiations. Participants will select a candy color and collect the most pieces possible.

Time Required Approximately 30 to 45 minutes

Group Size Six to eight subgroups with no more than six persons each

Materials

• One fun-size packet of M&M’s® candies for each participant

• A flip chart and felt-tipped markers for recording

• Prizes for the winning group (optional)

PROCESS

1. Form six to eight subgroups with no more than six persons each. Distribute one packet of M&M’s to each participant.

2. Explain that each subgroup must collect one color of candy, obtaining as many pieces as possible. The group with the largest number of the same color will be declared the winner. Signal for the task to begin.

3. Depending on the total number of subgroups and the amount of interaction taking place, allow sufficient time (approximately 10 minutes) for participants to mingle and trade, then signal for the activity to stop.

4. Ask each subgroup to count the total number of candies in the color selected. On the flip chart, record the candy color and the total number of pieces collected for each subgroup. Announce the winning group and give out prizes if you choose to do so.

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

• What factors were considered in selecting your group’s candy color? Did the original selection change as the task progressed? Why or why not?

• How did limited resources affect your group’s performance? Did the availability of resources change your group’s goals as the activity progressed? Why or why not?

• What are some examples of how workplace goals change as a reflection of the availability of resources? How does this affect a group’s strategic planning process?

• How did you personally react to changes in conditions? How did others in your group react? As conditions changed, what did your group do to adjust?

• What role does interdependence across groups play in accomplishing tasks?

• In preparing for strategic planning or negotiations, how important are your assumptions (or research of competition and market conditions)? What happens when your assumptions are wrong? How do you adjust?

• How does this activity relate to specific conditions in your workplace?