Unhelpful behaviour in a group – animal codes
We all delight in hearing we have been helpful in a group, but it is hard to honestly face the fact that some of our behaviour has not been helpful.
The exercise should only be used after a group has been together for some time and when hard work in groups has broken down the first politeness and participants have shown some of their characteristic reactions in time of stress.
Process
The animator/ facilitator explains that we need to look at the negative as well as the positive side if we are to improve our leadership skills. Animals show in a very clear way some kinds of human behaviour.
The Donkey – who is very stubborn, will not change his / her point of view
The Lion – who gets in and fights when ever others disagree with his /her plans or interfere with his / her desires
The Rabbit – who runs away as soon as (s)he senses tension, conflict or an unpleasant job. This may mean quickly switching to another topic (flight behaviour).
The Ostrich – who buries his/her head in the sand and refuses to face reality or admit there is any problem at all.
The Monkey – who fools around, chatters a lot and prevents the group from concentrating on any serious business.
The Elephant – who simply blocks the way and stubbornly prevents the group from continuing along the road to their desired goal.
The Giraffe – who looks down on others and the program in general feeling, ‘I am above all this childish nonsense’.
The Tortoise – who withdraws from the group, refusing to give his/her ideas or opinions.
The Cat – who is always looking for sympathy. ‘It is so difficult for me ….miauw..’
The Peacock – who is always showing off, competing for attention. ‘See what a fine fellow I am!’
The Snake – who hides in the grass and strikes unexpectedly.
The Rhino – who charges around ‘putting his/her foot in it’ and upsetting people unnecessarily.
The Owl – who looks very solemn and pretends to be very wise, always talking in long words and complicated sentences.
The Mouse – who is too timid to speak up on any subject.
The Frog – who croaks on and on about the same subject in a monotonous voice.
The Hippo – who sleeps all the time and never puts up his head except to yawn.
The Fish – who sits there with a cold glassy stare, not responding to anyone or anything.
The Chameleon – who changes colour according to the people he/she is with. He/she’ll say one thing to this group and something else to another.
After each animal has been explained and the pictures put up, the participants are asked to find a partner with whom they feel at home and discuss if and when they have behaved like anyone of these animals.
Later these animals provide the group with helpful vocabulary for giving feedback to one another – not to be imposed upon people, but only given if requested.