Number of People: 8 or more
Materials:
Description: Have your group form a circle with you in the middle and close their eyes. Tell them to turn around and face away from the middle keeping their eyes closed. Now, shuffle everyone's positions so that they are unclear who is where. Pull one person into the middle (two if it's a big group), and have them open their eyes. Give the following direction, 'If you are the person in the middle, touch one or more people on the shoulder who have __________'. Typically, I have them touch people on the shoulder who have demonstrated good leadership, compassion, friendship, etc. I'll usually ask 3 questions then return them to the circle, shuffle a little, then pull the next person into the middle and repeat the process till everyone's had a chance. I use a wide variety of questions and repeat some. Once finished, I do a final shuffle and then have them turn around and open their eyes. I then ask, 'Did anyone learn something about themselves they would like to share?' This usually leads to some phenomenal revelations and discussions. As a facilitator you can also touch people on the shoulder during the process. Beware of doing this with the intent to not "leave someone out". Some of the best growth i've seen with this closing happened when someone was not touched.
Also Known As: Circle of Power
Originator: Got it from Denise Oulette at UCSD | Posted by: James Bennett