As a logically inclined individual with a penchant for puzzles, I love this group initiative.
Already you should understand that this activity will attract those in your group like me, and may frustrate those who struggle with logic or complex thinking tasks. And that’s okay because this is a team event and only by way of collaboration will the team succeed.
First, you need to download the 12 short puzzle clues from the Resources tab and then print and cut them into small slips of paper. For example, this is what is written on one of the clues:
Of all the countries toured, Anne likes Austria best.
Tom, Sheila & Jim spent the first evening discussing
the day’s countries and reviewing the maps.
When ready, assemble your group and invite them to sit or stand in a position that will not only be comfortable (because they will be busy for the 30+ minutes) but offer a little bit of space between others. This last qualifier is to prevent folks from seeing what others are about to be given.
Hand out one slip of paper (set of clues) to each person. Announce that everyone has a unique set of information or clues and that as a group, it has all of the information it needs to solve the problem.
Importantly, instruct each person that they are not permitted to show what is written on their paper to anyone else. They are entitled to read it aloud to the group, but they can never show or display what is written to others at any time.
At this point, you can expect a set of wide eyes peering back at you, purportedly saying “Is that it?”
Yes, this is it.
Explain that as a group, their first task is to identify what the problem actually is. Then, their second task is to solve the problem within the allocated time frame.
As with all group initiatives, you should set a timeframe that will challenge your group. For reference, when I present this to adults, I typically allow 30 to 40 minutes for them to solve the puzzle.
Remind your group that the solution is found within the clues. Manage any questions that will inevitably arise, before handing it over to the group.
Perhaps armed with pen and paper, your group truly has everything it needs to solve the puzzle.
In the case of this particular problem, the solution is best represented by a table of names and countries (the solution is supplied with the Clues download.)
From this point forward, your primary role is to watch and listen.
As soon as a solution has been offered, or the time expires, look for opportunities to invite your group to reflect on a whole range of group dynamics including leadership, communication and decision-making processes.
If you have less than 12 people in your group, simply supply two or more clues to each person.
If you have more than 12 people in your group, choose to distribute a single clue to partners, or better still, create multiple small groups of 12 people solving the same problem. In this latter case, you may need to physically locate each group away from others.
To be fair, each of the 12 clues consists of 2 clues, so you could produce up to 24 separate clues if you wanted to.
It is noted that pen and paper are optional, but in truth, all groups prefer to use these resources to help them visually solve the logic.
To be sure, the secrecy parameters of the initiative mean that group members can verbally share their clue’s information with others but they cannot collect the clues or visually display them to one another, ie this precludes writing it on a whiteboard for all to see.
Sometimes, you will be asked a question that you may not know the answer to, especially if this is the first time you have presented it or did not take the time to familiarise yourself with the clues and/or solution. In most cases, you are best to re-direct the question back to the group explaining that it is answered by the clues they are holding.
You could integrate Twelve Bits as part of a well-designed SEL program to help your group understand the perspectives of and empathise with others including those from diverse backgrounds.
Specifically, this activity offers ample opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Identifying Personal, Cultural & Linguistic Assets
- Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
Self-Management
- Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
- Setting Personal & Group Goals
- Taking Initiative
- Use Planning & Organisational Skills
Social Awareness
- Taking Other’s Perspectives
- Appreciating Diversity
- Recognising Strengths In Others
- Respecting Others
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Seeking and/or Offering Support
- Build Positive Relationships
- Work Collaboratively
- Showing Leadership
- Resolving Conflict Constructively
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Identifying Problems
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Identifying Solutions
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
One of the greatest joys of being an experiential trainer and author is that I have travelled all over the world. I am grateful for having visited and delivered training programs in 15 countries or more so far, but I must admit, it’s hard to appreciate which countries I like the most. This just happens to be the exact premise of your next problem-solving activity for a group of four fictitious characters…
If you love problem-solving puzzles or deductive-reasoning challenges, then you are going to love this next group task involving just twelve bits of information…
You know those lateral thinking exercises that appear to give so little information, but you are told you have everything you need to solve it? Well, that is exactly what I have in store for you now…
I just did this activity with a Leadership class of 15 students in a high school class.
WOW. The students were able to really highlight and identify the leadership that took place. You can come at this one from so many angles. Thank you, Mark!