Valley Crossing

"Three stooges crossing the valley"

Valley crossing exercise is a unique way of learning the importance of team work.
In the above picture, three workers are seen trying to cross a valley carrying a long wooden log.

Objective : To safely transport the wooden log on the other side of the valley.

Specifications: Valley length =  between 1 foot and 2 feet.

Man power: 3

Scene 1:

As seen in the picture above the 3 workers match each other with respect to the steps taken.This synchronism helps in walking equal distances, thus eliminating walking error.

Scene 2:

In this picture the last2 workers take the load of the 1st worker along with the weight of the wooden log.By the time the 1st worker reaches the other end of valley the 2nd worker is on the brink of valley. As the distance between the two ends of valley is less than two feet, the 2nd worker does  not fall .

Scene 3:

In this picture the 1st and last worker take the total load of 2nd worker and the wooden log.Again due to the distance between the ends of valley the 2nd worker sails over it.when the last worker is at the brink of the valley, the 2nd worker reaches the other end of the valley.

Scene 4:

In this picture, similar to Scene1 the first two workers take the total load of the last worker and the wooden log and cross the valley successfully.

Summary:

Thus, we conclude that in order to achieve a challenging task safely we need the proper synergy and co ordination between the team members "Trust", which comes through long time bonding and team rapport.

Notice that the weight of any one of worker does not have an impact on the outcome.

Ambitious Attempt:

Now, you might wonder whether it is possible to cross this valley with only two workers?


Objective : To safely transport the wooden log on the other side of the valley.

Specifications: Valley length between 1 foot and 2 feet.

Man power: 2



A proper analysis of the above situation tells that it is impossible to cross the valley with two people.
This is because the workers walk with the same leg each time in sync.
Also, the distance between two ends of the valley is far greater for a worker to hold the weight of the other worker.
So, it is technically impossible to cross the valley with two people.

Learning from the Exercise:

1. Though team work can achieve any goal, we should know our limits and set realistic goals.
2. Team work is necessary to achieve difficult tasks comfortably.
3. Trust is an altogether important element for a team to deliver timely results.
4. Understanding and rapport is necessary for success.
5. Every individual has an equal and important role to play in an organization.

Some out of the box solutions:

The workers can put the wooden log on the valley and cross the valley by walking on it and then again picking it up.In this way there will be maximum safety.


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