How to Make the Most of an Unproductive Hour

Every manager or team leader wants his team to perform to the best of its ability. However, the lack of proper communication and the ability to manage themselves during their unproductive time causes a hindrance in achieving this goal. People are given time, which is a great treasure, and it is important to understand its value. Because of this, effective time management becomes crucial for everyone. Utilizing time wisely balances our existence. It aids in determining where the imbalance is coming from. The secret to constantly enhancing our ability to work and produce is being conscious of how we use our time. Using unproductive time to energize and motivate team members can be extremely beneficial.

Usually, the hour just after lunch is the most unproductive time in any organization. After lunch, laziness sets in, and it takes time to set the tone for work. Smart managers can utilize this unproductive time smartly by engaging them in short (15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes) sessions. ?

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Isn’t it? So, what are you thinking… Add some fun and rock! Get … set …go!

Shared with you here are two simple activities that will help you energize your team, lift spirits, inculcate positive work habits, instill self-management, improve communication, improve the reputation of your workplace, gain positive outcomes, enhance the quality of your work, manage stress, foster team bonding, and increase productivity.

Activity 1: Paper and straw (Class size – Any)

Time: 15 - 30 Min

Divide participants into groups of 8–10 each) and let them form a line; give everyone a straw (eco-friendly). Give a piece of paper (you can use marble paper or paper of A4 size) to the first person standing in each group. ?The person with the piece of paper needs to pick up the paper using the straw and hand it over to the next person in line, only using the straw. The goal is to let the piece of paper move from person to person to the other end of the line. You can have several groups compete against each other to add to the fun. Remember that nothing but the straw can be used to pass the paper. ?This activity can be used for communication, teamwork, innovation, and anything else that you can relate to.

Activity 2: Sense and Draw (Class size – 24 - 30)

Time – 30 Min Max (10 min organizing and briefing, 10 min for activity, and 10 minutes for debriefing)

Divide participants into three groups depending on their numbers. All groups sit in a line, looking at each other’s backs. You give the last person in the first line an object name (eg. rose, a pen, a mobile, etc.) written on a piece of paper (ensure that female members are not included in this group to be on the safe side), and a sketch pen to the first person in the line. Give another object drawn on a piece of paper to the last person on the second line and a card paper and 3–4 sketch pens (depending on the color of the object) to each of the members standing in front of him. Lastly give a piece of paper with the picture of both the objects given to groups one and two drawn on it, to the last person in the group and ?

Group One (Feel and Draw): The person in the first line with the object name will draw the picture of the object on the back of the person in front of him / her with the finger, and that continues through the line of people simultaneously. The person at the other end draws the picture on a flip chart. Discuss the result or just have a laugh. You can have more lines for larger groups and add a competitive element.

Group Two (Listen and draw): The person in the first line with the object name will describe the picture and each member will draw it on the basis of the description (without looking at each other’s drawing)

Group three (see and draw) - Each member will draw it on the basis of the picture given to them (without looking at each other’s drawing)

When all groups have finished the activity let everyone share their experiences and ask questions about how easy / difficult was it for them to draw, what made it better, what is the learning, how does the verbal, non-verbal communication matters etc.

This is an excellent activity for communication, team building, productivity, etc.

Please let me know how you liked it.

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