Magic stick

Can you hold the magic stick? The magic wand enchants everyone - but it's just a "simple" trick. Can you influence and control your inner impulses? This exercise is ideal for training concentration and self-organisation/control. The goal of placing the stick on the floor without losing finger contact can only be achieved through clear focussing, goal-oriented action and effective communication within the team.

Number of participants

Minimum: 3; Optimum: 6; Maximum: 9

Duration

5-15 minutes, without evaluation discussion

Venue

Seminar room or outside, with an area of approx. 2x5 metres at full pole length

Set-up and procedure

At the beginning, the participants stand in two rows facing each other and stretch out their index fingers, on which the trainer places the folding rule. The task is to place the "magic stick" on the floor (or a table) without losing contact with the stick. In doing so, the trainer presses it gently downwards. This may sound simple, but it is difficult to realise because: the instructor unexpectedly lets go of the folding rule - once or several times. As soon as this happens, a 'magic' can be observed: the stick moves upwards instead of downwards. The explanation for this is simple - as the participants try to hold the light folding rule when the instructor lets go, everyone unconsciously pushes it upwards, following the movements. It becomes clear that clear communication and, above all, concentration are important to counteract the inner impulse. This is the only way to achieve the goal - a real challenge.