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Last cab

Just as the cab that you really must have finally arrives, another person enters through the opposite door. 

Negotiate your way home.

Application

Negotiation, Communication skills, Assertiveness training, Creativity, Demonstrate sources of power.

Materials Required

None

Timing

Introduction  5 minutes
Activity  10 minutes
Debrief at least 15 minutes

Process

1. Explain that each of the participants really needs a cab, urgently and that there do not appear to be many about.  An attempt to order one by phone was met with the news that there would be at least a one hour wait.
2. Seek reasons why one might need the cab urgently.  Post them on a flip chart.
3. Divide the group into pairs.
4. Explain that two people are competing for the same cab.  The two people are heading in very different directions, so it is impracticable to share the cab.
5. Ask the group to seek a solution.  Allow ten minutes.
6. Ask how many people are satisfied with the outcome.  How many missed out on the cab, but are still satisfied.
7. Seek examples of solutions.  Discuss them in relation to your program content.

Review

1. It is not uncommon for limited resources to be stretched.
2. Inability to achieve an original objective may not always mean failure.
3. Relate the experience to the concepts that you are introducing.

The Tail

Anytime four New Yorkers get into a cab together without arguing, a bank robbery has just taken place.
Johnny Carson

John Sleigh has been applying adult learning principles to training design and workplace communication projects since 1988.

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