Squishy toys and leadership development: how they can assist in leadership and team-building development

 

Soft and squishy toys are often seen as just a simple source of entertainment for children, but in reality, they have a lot of potential uses, particularly in the realm of leadership development and team-building exercises. In this article, we will explore the ways in which squishy toys can be utilized to improve communication and relationships within a team and drive better leadership development.

 

First and foremost, squishy toys can serve as an effective ice-breaker, making it a useful tool during team-building sessions. The tactile and playful nature of squishy toys can help to ease tensions and create a relaxed environment, allowing team members to feel more comfortable with each other and open up. By encouraging team members to throw squishy toys around or play catch with them, it can help to break down the barriers that often prevent individuals from working together effectively.

 

In addition, squishy toys can be used to teach and promote teamwork. For instance, you can provide a squishy toy to one team member and then ask them to pass it on to another team member without using their hands. This exercise can help build trust and cooperation among the team members and increase their reliance on one another in order to achieve the goal of getting the toy from one end of the room to another.

 

Squishy toys can also be used to help team members improve their communication skills. A leader can assign a squishy toy to each team member and then ask them to create a short story surrounding the toy. During the storytelling process, team members can practice active listening skills and learn how to effectively communicate their ideas to others in an entertaining and engaging way.

 

Furthermore, squishy toys can be used to facilitate brainstorming sessions. Encouraging team members to play around with the toys and focus on the tactile sensation of squishing them can help stimulate creativity and encourage team members to think outside the box. During brainstorming sessions, it's often helpful to have something to fidget with to help keep the mind focused without getting distracted.

 

Finally, squishy toys can be used to improve problem-solving skills. A leader can hand out squishy toys to each team member and ask them to come up with a new use for the toy that isn't its typical purpose. This exercise can help leaders see how imaginative and creative their team members can be, while also improving their ability to think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving.

 

In conclusion, the versatile nature of squishy toys makes them a valuable tool in leadership development and team-building. From improving communication and relationships, to promoting teamwork, to enhancing problem-solving and creativity, squishy toys have the potential to be a fun and engaging way to teach important leadership skills. Leaders can use them as ice-breakers, facilitators for team-building exercises, and aids in brainstorming sessions or problem-solving activities.

 

Overall, by using squishy toys in leadership development and team-building, leaders can facilitate a more relaxed and creative environment. Squishy toys provide a tangible way for team members to connect and work together, allowing them to develop stronger communication and relational skills. By utilizing squishy toys in these settings, leaders can help to build a more cohesive and effective team, and ultimately drive better business outcomes. So don't underestimate the power of the humble squishy toy – it could be the key to unlocking your team's full potential.