Tension

Teams are connected to a shared tray via cords attached at the waist. Their objective is to transport a series of balls from behind a start line and successfully deliver them into a container. Throughout the challenge, participants must:

• Maintain tension and balance collectively
• Coordinate movement with precision
• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Support a blindfolded team member

Any lapse in alignment or control has immediate consequences, reinforcing shared accountability and discipline.

During the action phase, participants must keep their hands clasped behind their backs and may use only the tension in the cords to control the tray – no part of the body may touch the tray or cords at any time. One participant remains blindfolded throughout the activity, adding an extra layer of challenge. If a ball is dropped or misses the container, the team must return to the start line and begin again. Part way through the challenge, a significant change is introduced, requiring teams to adapt their approach while maintaining performance under pressure.

Errors result in lost progress and force teams to restart, while repeated mistakes increase pressure and test patience and resilience. To succeed, teams must strike the right balance between speed and control. The challenge quickly reveals how well teams stay aligned when working under pressure.

Learning is explicitly linked back to workplace situations involving change, uncertainty and collaboration.