Helium Pole

Type of Activity: Problem solving

Source: Karl Rohnke (we think), published in Setting the Conflict Compass, by Michelle Cummings with Mike Anderson.

Purpose: The power of influence is very clear in this activity. Overcoming frustration and resisting the temptation to blame others is key for success. This activity is surprisingly difficult for most groups.

Props needed: a tent pole or hula hoop, ideally something very light weight

Group Size: 8-20

Directions:

Ask the group to divide into two subgroups and stand in two lines facing one another. Ask each participant to stick out their right index finger as if they are pointing at the team across from them. Depending on the overall length of the tent pole you may be able to accommodate up to 10 people per side. The difficulty level of this activity increases with adding people to each side.

Explain to the group that you are going to lay the tent pole on their extended index fingers. The only thing that can touch the tent pole is the top of the index finger. They must remain in contact with the pole AT ALL TIMES! The tent pole must continually rest across the top of the right index finger. Encourage the group to keep their fingers straight and pointing at the person across from them. You may want to demonstrate 'proper form' for the pole laying on the TOP of the index finger, otherwise some folks may not do this properly.

Instruct the group that the object of the activity is to lower the pole to the ground. This sounds easy, but it will challenge them beyond belief. It is a difficult task because it sounds so simple and groups will begin with that assumption.

It's called Helium Pole because usually the pole will rise above the participants’ heads before it will be lowered to the ground. The pole is light enough that any amount of pressure will raise the pole, which is the opposite direction of where they want to go. Groups really have to focus and work together to get the pole to do what they want it to.

Facilitate this one carefully as some groups will get so frustrated that they may want to give up. Often times you will see people blaming others for the pole going up and not down, and while they are blaming their fingers are not touching the pole. Great example of being worried about what others are doing and not taking care of your own responsibilities.

Debriefing Topics:

Why does the pole seem to float higher when the object is for the team to lower it to the floor?

Why is lowering it so difficult to do while keeping contact with each persons finger?

After instructions were given, did this seem like an easy task? How did your assumption play into how difficult the task was?

How important was ‘focus’ during this activity? Describe behaviors that made it hard to focus. Describe behaviors that made it easier to focus.

How was the beginning of this activity different from the completion?

Describe how the group communicated during this activity.

Did anyone become frustrated with another member of the team? How did you deal with that frustration?

More Discussion topics:

During the activity we blend into the crowd. We see what other people are doing which causes us to loose focus. When we loose focus our finger breaks contact from the pole. When we ask 20 people to do a simple task our sheer determination to accomplish the task can overwhelm the group. With the Helium Pole, our tenacity to keep contact causes us to collectively raise the pole, doing just the opposite of what we should be. The old saying “there is strength in numbers” is so very true in this instance.

Debriefing scenario for adult populations: Now imagine being in a corporate board room or meeting when you feel a colleague’s suggestion in the meeting are borderline unethical. The same strength that overwhelms the Helium Pole can overwhelm an individual. Think about the conversations and behaviors that took place amongst your group when the pole rose higher and higher…how did you correct the situation or behave during the conflict? How will you as an individual correct the conflict you are involved in?

Debriefing Scenario for youth populations: Now imagine being on a schoolyard when a group of rough kids begin to pick on another classmate. The same strength that overwhelms the Helium Pole overwhelms the victim. Think about the conversations that took place amongst your group when the pole rose higher and higher…how did you correct the situation? How will you as an individual correct the conflict or bully situation you are involved in?

One tent pole and directions included.

Each tent pole has 7 collapsible sections, each section being 23 inches long, for a total of 161 inches.