by Jesse Kemp

A jolt is an experiential activity that lasts for less than 5 minutes and illustrated one or more important learning points.

I like jolts that involve parts of our bodies as convenient props. My colleague Jesse Kemp is talented in designing and using kinesthetic jolts of this type. Here is one of these jolts that you could conduct any time with any group.

Synopsis

Ask the participants to raise their right hand as high as possible. Then ask them to raise the hand a little higher. Debrief to point out that we are capable of achieving more than we anticipate.

Purpose

To reflect on our efforts and how we lead others.

Participants

Minimum: 1

Maximum: Any number, working individually

Best: 10 to 50

Time

5 minutes for the activity; 5 minutes for the debriefing discussion.

Flow

Ask the participants to raise their right hand in the air as high as they can. Be sure to mention “as high as you can”, but do not overemphasize this requirement.

Pause while the participants have their hand raised. Now ask them to raise the hand a little higher. Almost all the participants will be able to do this.

Debriefing

Point out that everyone was able to raise the hand higher—even if it was just a little bit. Ask the participants why they did not raise the hand to this height when you gave them the original instruction.

Encourage the participants to reflect on what this jolt teaches them about themselves and about leading others.

Learning Point

When pushed, we are capable of achieving more than we realize.