Client Testimonials

Angus Council ran an intensive Course for teachers called “Leadership & Management” last year. I attended this two day course and one of the activities we did was “Colourblind” produced by future factory ltd. Two groups of ten teachers competed against each other to solve the problem. It was certainly one of the highlights of the two days! The activity was really enlightening as we discovered who were leaders, who sat quiet, who was helpful, who was listening, who was arguing and as a result, who were effective communicators. It was great fun and at the time, I decided it would be a really good tool to use with our senior pupils at Forfar Academy. Two groups of S5 pupils have used “Colourblind” as part of their Social Education Programme. It was a good exercise in problem-solving and team work and it allowed pupils to see the importance of working together to achieve a goal. The observers also learned a lot from the exercise, everybody thought it was good fun. Some comments from pupils included “Fantastic!” “Useful insight to me as a person” “I really had to listen”.One observer noted that to begin with, the group were a bit unsure and only talked to the people round about them and did not work together as a whole at first. Then one pupil spoke to the whole group and got the ball rolling. Another pupil then took over and helped people to understand the task. By the end of the game, they were working well as a group.

This was possibly the best lesson I have had with an S5 SE class who have not really ‘gelled’ so far. I think they finally did in this game.

Hazel Inness

Pupils Care & Support Department

Forfar Academy 2007

We have used the Colour Blind materials in a training activity designed so participants experience the many challenges of communication, especially multi-culturally.   I have found the activity to be very effective around the world, and would recommend the use of the materials in similar situations.

1^st November 2007

Marianne Soponis

Director, Worldwide Training Delivery

Marriott International Lodging

Supply Chain

Using “supply chain” with teams has proved a useful, fun way to enable teams to see how their communication methods can be enhanced both within the team and the wider organisation.

The use of supply chain for teams who work closely together has been of great benefit in conveying how easy it is to isolate individuals if lines of communication are closed.

The different configurations are really useful if you know a team are having communication problems as you can use a configuration that portrays the problem and allow them to find new ways of thinking about the problem.

By firstly taking a team through the game using the rules provided, discussing this and then allowing them to repeat the process without anyone breaking the chain, allows the team to work through the issues themselves and to find new ways of enhancing team communication.

Liz Walker (13th December 2007)

Organisational Development Advisor

NHS Forth Valley