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LEADERSHIP TRAILS

People Watching
Business
What a successful day at work. You got a promotion, gave a successful pitch, and…stood up a bunch? It’s time to hop on the train to go home. One of your favorite things to do on the train is people watch. However, everyone on this train keeps changing their appearance! You decide to watch closely and see how many changes you can spot, after all you gotta pass the time somehow…

Table of Contents

  1. Goal
  2. Purpose
  3. Materials
  4. Setup
  5. Running the Game
  6. Debrief

Goal

Spot as many differences as possible in your group.

Goal

Spot as many differences as possible in your group.

Purpose

Hone your skills of observation and perception.

Materials

None

Setup

For the initial step of the game, choose two people to act as “people watchers.” Everyone else should sit down so that they are clearly in view.

Purpose

Hone your skills of observation and perception.

Materials

None

Setup

For the initial step of the game, choose two people to act as “people watchers.” Everyone else should sit down so that they are clearly in view.

Table of Contents

  1. Goal
  2. Purpose
  3. Materials
  4. Setup
  5. Running the Game
  6. Debrief

Running the game

This is a game of “spot the difference” that asks you to pay close attention to your patrol mates. 

  • The “people watchers” should be given 30 seconds to closely observe the team, noting their physical appearance, location, and other characteristics.
  • The “people watchers” move out of the eyeshot of the team and each member of the team chooses one thing about their appearance to change.
  • Once the team is ready, the “people watchers” come back and observe the team. Their goal is to find as many differences as possible, aiming for 4-6 in an 8 person game.
  • Change the “people watchers” until everyone gets a turn.

Debrief

The following debrief questions are meant to give you an opportunity to discuss with your patrol mates and reflect on the game. You can have one leader ask the discussion questions or you could take turns asking the questions, making sure everyone’s voice is heard.

  • Why do you think observing your team is an important skill for a leader? How might you use this skill in a real-life leadership situation?
  • What was the most challenging part of this activity?
  • What were some skills you used to succeed at this activity? For those who were most successful, what was your strategy?
  • Did you divide tasks between you and your partner? Why or why not?
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Other Business Trail Activities
Train Crossing
Billy Mays
The Promotion Game
Four Up
10 Questions
People Watching