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The 8Rs of Leading Group Activities

Leading a successful group activity goes beyond just having a great idea—it requires careful planning, execution, and reflection to create an engaging and meaningful experience. Whether you’re facilitating a workshop, training session, or team-building exercise, the 8Rs framework provides a structured approach to ensure every activity is purposeful, impactful, and well-managed. Mark Suroviec expanded on Joseph Cooks’s 4Rs to develop what he now refers to as 8Rs.

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1. REASONS: Why This Activity?

Every activity should start with a clear purpose. Ask yourself:

• What do I want participants to learn, feel, or experience?
• How does this activity connect to broader learning goals or team objectives?
• Why is this the right activity right now?

For example, if your team struggles with communication, a problem-solving challenge might be more relevant than a pure icebreaker-style activity.

2. RESULT: What’s the Goal?

Define what success looks like. Keep it simple:

• What is the desired outcome of this activity?
• If I had to summarize success in 10 words or less, what would it be?

Example: “Encourage collaboration through a shared problem-solving experience.”

By setting a clear result, you can measure effectiveness and adjust as needed.

3. RESOURCES: What Do You Need?

Before launching an activity, take inventory of your materials:

• Essential equipment: What do you need to run the activity?
• Alternatives: What can you substitute if the ideal equipment isn’t available?
• Restrictions: Are there any off-limits materials for safety or accessibility reasons?

Flexibility is key! If you planned for a ball toss but only have paper, consider a crumpled paper toss instead.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS: Who, Where, and How Long?

Logistics can make or break an activity. Consider:

• How many participants? Small group or large-scale?
• Time required: A quick icebreaker vs. a deep-dive session
• Best location: Indoors? Outdoors? Need tables, chairs, or open space?
• Audience: Is this for students, professionals, executives, or kids?

These details ensure your activity fits the setting and audience.

5. READINESS: How to Prepare?

Some activities need set-up in advance—don’t wait until the last minute! Ask yourself what you need to do in advance:

• What needs to be done before participants arrive?
• Are all materials ready and accessible?
• Do I need volunteers or co-facilitators?

If your activity involves complex rules or props, having a demo prepared can prevent confusion. Also consider what you want participants to see or experience before the session begins. How can you build energy and anticipation to promote greater participation?

6. RULES: Setting Boundaries for Success

Clear rules create a safe and structured experience. When telling the rules, keep the instructions and clear and simple as possible. You may want to practice a few times to make sure you can deliver them concisely. Consider having rules posted or printed so that players can refer back to them. Remember that when players are first learning a new game, they’re holding a lot in their heads as they work out what the activity is and how they will be expected to participate. But be mindful:

• What core boundaries need to be communicated upfront?
• What should I not tell participants? (Some surprises enhance engagement!)
• How do these rules make the activity more exciting?

For example, in a team challenge, keeping certain rules mysterious or undisclosed can increase problem-solving engagement.

7. RISKS: Safety First

While rules can also create some guardrails for a safe experience, no activity is risk-free. Physical safety may be most top of mind, but with many team activities, psychological safety can play an even bigger role. Consider physical, emotional, and psychological risks:

• Physical risks: Could someone trip, fall, or get hurt?
• Emotional risks: Could the activity make someone feel excluded or uncomfortable?
• **How can I minimize these risks?

Always have a contingency plan for potential challenges and check participant comfort levels before starting.

8. REFLECTIONS: Wrapping Up with Meaning

Debriefing transforms an activity into a learning experience. Ask yourself:

• How do I tie this activity back to the learning objectives?
• What debriefing questions will spark insightful discussion?
• How can I engage both the heart and mind?

Sample reflection questions:

• What was challenging about this activity?
• How does this relate to our daily work interactions?
• Discuss strategies that helped you succeed and how you can apply them.

A well-led debrief bridges the gap between activity and real-world application.

Final Thoughts

Great activities don’t just happen—they are designed with purpose. Using the 8Rs framework, you can ensure your activities are engaging, well-planned, and meaningful. Whether you’re leading a corporate training, classroom lesson, or team-building session, this structured approach will help create impactful experiences that resonate long after the activity ends. For more, listen to Mark Suroviec’s podcast with Rhonda Campbell.

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