Empathy Equestrian

Discipline: Emotional Intelligence

Game Overview:
Empathy Equestrian is an engaging and interactive activity designed to enhance participants' emotional intelligence and empathy skills. Through storytelling and active listening, participants will gain deeper insights into their colleagues' experiences and emotions, fostering a more empathetic and understanding workplace environment. This exercise not only highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in professional settings but also encourages participants to practice and develop these essential skills in a supportive and structured format

Duration: 20 minutes or less
You need a minimum of 7 employees to play

Objective

Demonstrate emotional intelligence and empathy.

How to Play:

  1. Designate 1-3 Judge(s):

    • Judges will score all final presentations of the Empathy Challenge using the criteria provided.

  2. Team Formation:

    • Teams: Form teams of 2 members (pairs).

    • Roles: Each participant will take turns being the storyteller and the empathizer.

  3. Story Sharing Session (5 Minutes):

    • Storyteller: Shares a personal work-related story, focusing on the emotions and experiences involved.

    • Empathizer: Actively listens and takes notes on the key emotions and insights shared.

    • Steps:

      • Minutes 1-2: Storyteller 1 shares their story while Empathizer 1 listens.

      • Minutes 3-4: Storyteller 2 shares their story while Empathizer 2 listens.

      • Minute 5: Brief discussion within the pair to ensure understanding of key emotions and insights.

  4. Presentation (2 Minutes):

    • The empathizer of each pair presents their partner's story to the judges, highlighting key emotions and insights within 2 minutes or less.

Scoring Criteria:
Using a scale of 1-5 the judge/s will award points as follows:

  1. Depth of Empathy:

    • 1: Empathy demonstrated is superficial and lacks depth.

    • 2: Empathy is present but not deeply explored.

    • 3: Empathy is moderately deep with some insightful elements.

    • 4: Empathy is deep and well-articulated.

    • 5: Empathy is profound and exceptionally well-articulated.

  2. Accuracy in Conveying Emotions:

    • 1: Emotions conveyed are inaccurate or misunderstood.

    • 2: Some emotions are accurately conveyed, but there are significant inaccuracies.

    • 3: Most emotions are accurately conveyed with minor inaccuracies.

    • 4: Emotions are accurately conveyed with minimal inaccuracies.

    • 5: Emotions are conveyed with exceptional accuracy.

  3. Active Listening Skills:

    • 1: Listening skills are poor, with frequent interruptions or distractions.

    • 2: Listening skills are somewhat adequate but lack focus.

    • 3: Listening skills are good, with minor lapses in attention.

    • 4: Listening skills are excellent, with focused and attentive behavior.

    • 5: Listening skills are exceptional, demonstrating full attention and understanding.

Additional Tips:

  • Effective Communication: Clearly articulate the emotions and insights from your partner’s story. Avoid jargon and complicated language to keep the narrative accessible and understandable.

  • Active Listening: Pay close attention to your partner’s story. This ensures that you accurately capture and convey their emotions and insights.

  • Time Management: Keep track of time using a timer. Ensure that each participant shares their story within the allotted time and that the presentation is concise.

  • Focus on Emotions: Avoid getting bogged down in minor details. Focus on the core emotions and insights from the story.

  • Encourage Vulnerability: Create a safe space where participants feel comfortable sharing their genuine emotions and experiences.

  • Stay Positive and Supportive: Foster a positive environment where all participants feel validated and supported. Constructive feedback is key to refining the presentation.

Example:

Team A’s Empathy Challenge:

  • Minutes 1-2 (Storyteller 1, Tom): "I felt overwhelmed and stressed when our project deadline was moved up unexpectedly. I stayed late for several nights, which made me feel exhausted and disconnected from my family."

  • Minutes 3-4 (Storyteller 2, Henry): "I felt proud and accomplished when our team successfully launched the new product. However, I also felt guilty for not spending enough time with my friends during the crunch period."

  • Minute 5 (Discussion): Alex and Jamie discuss the key emotions and insights from each other’s stories to ensure accuracy.

Presentation (Empathizer, Tanisha): "Jamie felt a mix of pride and guilt during the product launch. The pride came from the team's success, but the guilt stemmed from neglecting personal relationships. This highlights the importance of work-life balance and recognizing team achievements."