The Marshmallow is a leadership
exercise that is hidden within the rules and structure of the activity. Groups
are instructed to create a tower using twenty stick of spaghetti, one yard of
tape, one yard of string, and a single marshmallow. The group that has the
highest continuing standing tower wins. At first this activity appears more of
a kindergarten building exercise than a leadership development application.
While I was unable to attend class the day that we participated in the
Marshmallow Challenge, I was informed that groups tended to follow the lead of
individuals that they perceived to be leaders. For example a student was viewed
as a leader because he was the first to gather the activity materials;
additionally the student was older in age and has the advantage of real world
work experience.
·
How does this relate to 1) Status
Characteristics Theory, 2) Legitimacy (endorsement, authority), 3) Hard and
soft power, and 4) Conformity and obedience?
o The
Marshmallow Challenge relates to Status Characteristics Theory as individuals
in each of the groups determined who processed leadership qualities based on
Status Characteristics and preconceived notions of the individuals.
o After
careful consideration I am unable to see how the challenge is connected to the
remaining principles.
·
What are the top three things that you will
remember from this exercise?
o
I was unable to participate in this
challenge due to my absence in class.
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