Manage resources
Manage resources
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Manage Resources – A Minimalist Challenge in Creativity
Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes
Group Size: Individual or small groups
Best for: Innovation, resource management, creative problem-solving
Introduction
This hands-on challenge encourages participants to think beyond flat assumptions and discover how working creatively within strict limitations can spark innovation. With only six toothpicks, participants must figure out how to construct four triangles. This activity serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming resource constraints and reframing problems to unlock simple, elegant solutions.
Materials Needed
- 6 wooden toothpicks per participant or group
- (Optional) Small piece of modeling clay, sticky tack, playdough, or tape to stabilize connections
- (Optional) Visual aids or a physical model of the solution shape
Setup Instructions
- Distribute exactly six toothpicks to each participant or group.
- Explain the challenge: “Using only these six toothpicks, create four triangles.”
- Encourage participants to avoid defaulting to 2D thinking or asking for more resources.
- Firmly affirm: “You have everything you need—be resourceful with what you have.”
- Provide optional modeling clay or tape to assist with stabilizing joints as needed.
Facilitation Tips
- Allow participants sufficient time to struggle and explore before offering any hints.
- If one person or group solves the challenge early, have them quietly observe and support others without revealing the solution.
- Use a flipchart or physical model to demonstrate the 3D tetrahedron shape during the debrief if participants remain stuck.
- Encourage open discussion around assumptions and mental models during the reflection phase.
Solution Explanation
- Form a base triangle on the table using three toothpicks.
- Connect the remaining three toothpicks from each corner of the base to meet at a single point above, creating a tetrahedron.
- This creates four triangular faces: three sides and the base.
Debrief & Discussion Questions
- What assumptions about the problem or resources did you make at the start?
- Did you feel frustrated or stuck with limited materials?
- Why do people often seek “more” resources instead of rethinking how to use what they already have?
- How can this challenge serve as a metaphor for workplace limitations and resourcefulness?
- What strategies helped you or your team break free from fixed thinking?
Learning Outcomes
- Encourages lateral and three-dimensional thinking beyond flat assumptions
- Develops problem-solving skills within strict resource constraints
- Reveals how assumptions can block simple but powerful solutions
- Promotes patience, persistence, and open-minded approaches to challenges
Extensions & Variations
- Challenge participants to build other 3D geometric shapes within minimal materials.
- Reverse-engineer the challenge by showing a shape and asking participants to determine the minimum materials needed.
- Facilitate group collaboration variants to encourage peer learning and diverse solution sharing.
Related Training Material Packages
-
Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making Training Package
Equip your team with techniques and tools to overcome challenges creatively and make sound decisions under constraints. -
Team Building Training Package
Foster collaboration and trust that empower innovative group problem-solving. -
Emotional Intelligence Training Package
Build empathy and resilience to support creative thinking and teamwork in dynamic environments.
Get Started with Manage Resources Today
Use this minimalist challenge to enhance creativity and resourcefulness within your teams. Pair it with our expert training materials to cultivate innovation and problem-solving skills that deliver real workplace impact.
Download Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making PackageTraining resources from TrainingCourseMaterial.com — instant download, fully editable, trainer-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need clay or tape?
No, but they help stabilize joints. If you omit them, coach for steady hands and slower movements.
What’s the solution in one line?
Build a 3D tetrahedron: three sticks as a base triangle, three rising to a point—four triangular faces in total.
How can we run this with a large group?
Set up stations of 6–8 people, rotate every 5 minutes, and debrief patterns you observe across tables.
Any common pitfalls?
Staying in 2D, overbuilding supports, and asking for extra materials. Nudge with “What if it wasn’t flat?”
Remote-friendly version?
Ask participants to use household items (straws/toothpicks) on camera or draw a 3D net and explain how it becomes a tetrahedron.
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