Finger Trappers

We did a little leadership activity in 309 on Monday. Professor Feinberg passed out finger trappers to each student in the classroom. I remember playing with these things and getting frustrated with them when I was younger! The activity involved having a few people stand at the front of the classroom, all joined together with the finger trappers. The "leader" was given the instructions to walk to the back of the classroom, touch the door, and walk back to the front. Each member was to follow the leader. The group was successful with this task. Then, an entire side of the classroom hooked on to each other, Professor Feinberg included. They were told to do the same thing; however, Professor Feinberg refused to move--he was located in the middle of the line. Since he didn't more, the entire group of people were at a stand still. Even though some people were encouraging him to move, he stood still.

This activity was meant to illustrate how one person can actually effect an entire organization. It also showed that it's difficult to motivate individuals if they aren't willing to motivate themselves. If one person refuses to do his or her job, the rest of the organization can, and will be, let down. It is up to the leader to make sure that every person in the organization is doing their job. If some individuals are lacking, the leader needs to find some way to improve this setback.

M