This engaging activity helps participants see that leadership growth is like taking a journey. The participants move from place to place within the room and narrate through oral, written, or hands-on activities, how their own leadership journey is evolving.

Activity Objectives

• To review what participants have learned in the leadership event.
• To provide a moment to absorb what has been learned and record important learnings or observations.

Training Methods

• Application
• Reflection
• Journal writing
• Use of Metaphors
• Round-robin discussion

Materials Needed

• Handout the descriptions attached
• Name cards of each table
• A diary or journal for each participant

Equipment and Supplies

Each table, as identified below, should be equipped with the following props:

Post 1, Starting Point of Journey: binoculars, itinerary or workshop agenda, airline ticket, maps

Post 2, Traveling Companions: photo of group participants

Post 3, Corporate Jungle: box with large key, toy monkey, fake palm tree, toy snake or tiger

Post 4, Sea of Change: small model or toy boat

Post 5, River of Risk: simulate a river with blue tape, a bowl of water with a small boat, a picture of dangerous river

Post 6, Coach Ville: photo of the workshop facilitator

Post 7, City of Politics: newspaper photo of known politicians or picture of members of Congress

Post 8, Village of Networking: collage of people’s faces or several small dolls to represent people in their network

Post 9, Pinnacle Peak: Small flag labeled “Success” or date of workshop completion

For the whole room: Tape Recorder or CD player, and soft music.

Room Set-Up

Nine small tables with two chairs per table. Spread out the tables within the room. For the summary phase, have enough space for a circle of chairs. (Note: Place additional chairs at the stations if the group is larger than nine.)

We use metaphors throughout our leadership programs as a way to teach a concept or reinforce learning more effectively. Metaphors also provide visual representations or props that offer a tangible connection with what we are presenting. This closure activity capitalizes on those metaphors.

We think that it is imperative to set aside a significant block of time to bring closure to the participants’ learning experience. Our examples outlined in this activity fit what we teach in our leadership program. Please adapt our examples to fit the content you cover in your own leadership training.

Set up stations when participants are not present. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes, so send them on a break if you need to. We have included sample instructions for nine workstations. At each station, there should be a sign labeling the station, props for the metaphor, and a handout for that station.

Activity Variations

Consider adding stations that require participants to do more than simply talk and write, such as a station where they can work on an art project or choose music to match an achievement or a goal.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Introduce the topic by saying, “This activity acts as a reminder of where you have been and where you want to go. It uses active journal writing. This has been a heady journey; we have navigated a sea of change, and many surprises are ahead.”

   Explain the directions, by saying, “You will move through nine stations, staying at each one for approximately 6 minutes. The task for each station is written on a handout at the station.” When you complete the task, wait for the signal to move. Be sure to take your notes with you when you move on. Examples of completed tasks are:

   i). The first day of my leadership journey began at the moment I decided to attend this program. There I learned that I definitely wanted to learn the difference between my management skills and my leadership skills, so I could focus on the latter.

   ii). My traveling companions taught me that they often experience the same challenges as I do as a leader.
   iii). I demonstrated my authentic leadership self in the Corporate Junglevby gaining the confidence to appropriately challenge issues based on my values.
   iv).  I navigated the Sea of Change successfully by remembering that I can impact the change process so our team will successfully and positively complete the transition.
   v). When crossing the River of Risk, I now evaluate the level of the risk and plan accordingly, so I will succeed.
   vi). At Coach Ville, I met my coach. What I took away was the value of someone who objectively helps me evaluate my problems and encourages me when I lack confidence.
   vii). During my stay in the City of Politics, I experienced a definite Aha that I do use several types of power and that flexibility serves my interests.
   viii). I greeted many other leaders at the Village of Networking. We shared career tips, sources for information, even a dog sitter for when I’m traveling on business.
   ix). At Pinnacle Peak, I knew I just had to pass the following leadership dimensions on to others: they include clarification of values and vision, the benefits of regularly recognizing others and celebrating more often, handling conflicts, and strategic planning.

2. Show participants how they will rotate to all stations. Hand out one slip of paper to each person that identifies the station he or she should visit first. Each person should begin with a different number.

   Play soft music in the background.

   Every six minutes call “time.” Ask everyone to move to the next numbered station with their journal.

3. When everyone has completed all nine stations, place chairs in a circle and facilitate a round-robin discussion. Each person should share highlights and important ideas gleaned from the experience.

4. You have completed this particular journey to learn more about leadership. Your travel to each of these nine stations has helped you complete a review of what you have learned and to establish some goals for the future. Remember that success is not measured by a specific
   destination but by the distance you have traveled. Bon Voyage!

Activity Review

Take time shortly after conducting this activity to reflect on how it went, how engaged the participants were, and what questions they raised. Then, make notes that include how much time you actually spent on the activity.