The Power of Play-Doh: How Props Make a Difference

I use a lot of props and toys in my consulting work.  Some people look at this and assume that I want to bring an element of fun and whimsy to my clients, and this assumption is true.  I enjoy the smiles and playfulness that a few well-chosen toys can bring.

But would you believe me if I told you that the fun factor, while important to me, was a secondary thing?  What I am really looking for when I bring props to my clients is taking ideas which are intangible and helping them become anchored in the physical.  Props and toys are powerful ways to do this.

A few examples:

For long meetings, training, and teambuilding work, I bring Play-Doh in many colors.  This gives people something to do with their hands *other* than checking email, and brings a level of focus.  People also begin to create objects, and those objects become a kind of communication running in the background, between the participants.  Also, the sight and smell of Play-Doh usually creates smiles, which is never a bad place to start a meeting.

When I assign a team 'homework' I like to hand out small colored objects.  Poker chips work well.  If I hand each participant three poker chips and tell them to offer three pieces of positive feedback in the next week, those small circles of plastic become physical anchors to remind them of the task.  In some cases, participants can physically trade those anchors, or deposit them in a communal space for a recognition of how individual accomplishments contribute to the whole.

When going around a room to collect ideas, I like to hand around an object.  Not a talking stick, but a physical object that is fun to hold or brings a concept to life.  When gathering "keys to success" I hand around a big iron key.  When asking people to check their worries at the door, I hand around a weighted globe, signifying the weight of the world that we carry.  I'm always on the look out for items that trigger a metaphor or that are interesting.

When I bring an object to hand out to each person, I store them in a colorful box at the front of the room. The curiosity of "what is in the box?" keeps minds alert and ready to absorb the message that the hand-outs are to convey.

I'll admit that I sometimes feel self-conscious about my props.  When a group of executives sit down and eye my colorful toys I always imagine that they are judging me as a silly hack of a consultant.  But inevitably as the meeting gets rolling and the first pair of hands reach out to snag my Slinky or begin crafting an airplane out of pipe cleaners, I see the value in what may seem a rather crazy idea.

So what do props do?
- They add an element of playfulness which contributes positively to the group's dynamic.
- They can increase focus by giving people something to do with nervous hands.
- They can become anchors to a behavior or task.
- They can increase retention.  "I remember when I made this.... it was in that class where we....."
- They can bring metaphors to life.  (keys to success, for example)
- They spark curiosity, which enhances learning.

Do you use props in your work?  If so, I'd be curious to hear HOW you use them.  What works well in your corner of the world?

* Play-Doh and Slinky are registered trademarks and the properties of their owners. 

Comments

[Shawn Abernethy]

I use props/toys for some of my communication workshops, as well as teambuilding or process improvement meetings that I facilitate. I like having fun toys for participants to occupy their hands with. My current fave is the Hoberman Sphere, which contracts and expands. The trick is not to choose toys that are too loud or distracting! :)

[Cheri]

I agree! I've been tempted by a few items (rubics cubes, etc) that are fun but would be too distracting from the subject matter.

I'll check out the Hoberman Sphere - thanks!

Cheri