Postmodern Rock, Paper, Scissors
Postmodern RPS¹ is a creative energizer that anyone can do with their group without needing equipment, training, or facilitation experience
TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES
What is Postmodern Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Postmodern RPS¹ is a creative energizer that anyone can do with their group without needing equipment, training, or facilitation experience. If you try this activity, let me know how it went. I would love to hear from you! ²
Result
Play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” with anything EXCEPT rock, paper, or scissors.
Resources
None
Recommendations
Participants: 3 to 300
Time: 10 Minutes
Location: Open space indoors or outdoors³
Age: 12- Adult
Readiness
Secure a location where multiple groups of three can stand and spread out. Divide all participants into groups of three.
Rules
We will play a unique game of rock, paper, and scissors. In this game, you can select anything appropriate — EXCEPT rock, paper, or scissors. In your group of three, two people will face off, and the third person will judge and decide the winner of the round. You have 30 seconds to decide what to choose.
Then on ‘1, 2, 3, Go!’ face your partner and reveal your choice. Don’t just say it, create a sound and movement to act it out.
Each person has an additional 30 seconds to explain why they think they should win. The judge will then choose the victor.
After a round is complete, switch roles in your group of three. Play until all three people have a chance to be the judge. To have the most fun and creativity possible, please avoid deities and natural disasters as options. ⁴
Risks
No physical risks. Watch for heated arguments or poor sportspersonship.
Reasons
Why lead this activity? What are the themes or outcomes?
Fun, silliness, and laughter
Novelty
Encouraging creativity
Improve decision-making skills
Dealing with disagreement
The power of changing your mind
Reflections
What were some of your favorite choices?
Which choices were the most (creative, fun, powerful, realistic, etc.)?
As a judge, did you ever change your mind after someone explained their choice?
How do you choose between two options in real life?
Tell a story about a decision that blew up in your face later.
When is it a good idea to change your mind?
Footnotes
¹ An idea by Gretchen Goldman inspired Postmodern RPS.
² Experiential learning activities are fun and powerful teaching tools when used properly. Because many people hear icebreaker or teambuilding and immediately cringe, trains leaders in new activities that don’t suck.
³ Postmodern RPS will also work virtually. Start in the main room of a Zoom call, and send three participants to each breakout room after giving instructions.
⁴ I had a participant choose “god” once when playing the game. He was very proud of himself for selecting an unbeatable entity, but it took the fun out of the game for everyone else. For variety, consider limiting selections to a theme or subject. Example: Jungle animals or construction equipment.