To attempt to match a color choice with a partner.

Five minutes.

An unlimited number of participants, who will work in pairs.

None.

None.

1. Instruct the participants to form pairs, facing one another.
2. Explain that you will conduct a game similar to the old favorite, "Rock, Paper, Scissors," except that participants will choose to say one of three colors. Say that, upon hearing the announcement, "1, 2, 3, Color!," each person is to look at his or her partner and simultaneously say one of the following colors: "red,", "white," or "blue." This process is to be repeated every time you make the announcement. The object is to see how many times the partners can match their individual choices.
3. Make the announcement, "1, 2, 3, Color!"; then wait a few seconds and repeat the statement. Repeat this process several times.
4. Have the participants change partners and conduct the procedure again. Repeat the sequence as many times as desired.

• How long did it take for you to begin to get "in sync" (synchronized) with your partner?
• How does a person’s individual style of behavior affect interpersonal encounters?
• In what ways can we associate this activity with our work situations?