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Our Protagonist
This week David Anderson challenged us to create a scenario about preventing workplace violence.
The Idea
Addressing the topic of violence comes to me about as naturally as learning Hungarian, so I put this challenge aside for awhile.
While organizing files a bit later, I stumbled across these cute-as-a-button holiday images and decided to challenge myself to use them – exactly as they are – for the challenge. The snowman and gingerbread man would be my characters, and I wouldn’t let myself manipulate or change them.
The Scene of the Crime
The Scenario
Since Christmas trees were part of this set, I opted to have the snowman run a Christmas tree lot and have the gingerbread man pull a heist. The only weapon-like image I had was a hatchet, so it became a hatchet job.
You Make the Decisions
You, as the learner, choose how to respond. In both the positive and negative outcomes you’re given tips to help you successfully cope with the situation before trying it again with different choices, giving you a safe and effective way to learn and practice the concepts.
Try it Out!
Do you know how to handle tough times on a Christmas tree lot? Try it right here and find out! You might even have a little gingerbread-themed fun while you’re at it.
Once again you’ve come up with something that is uniquely…. well, Jackie! I liked how you started with two Christmas characters and turned it into a workplace violence theme. Who would have ever guessed that a “throwdown” could occur between a snowman and a gingerbread man! The “average” ID would have made it between the snowman and a Christmas tree (e.g., Snow man using the axe to attack the tree).
Richard
Thanks Richard! I’m glad you liked this one. Your observation that the hatchet would be a more logical weapon to use against the Christmas tree is a good one. If I hadn’t been focused on embracing the utterly absurd, that would have been a good way to go.
I highly recommend letting loose of the rational and logical when you can. It’s completely freeing and ooooooooh-so-much more fun.
(Though I think I’m preaching to the choir on that one. You do lots of fantastic absurdist stuff! I seem to recall a particular semi barreling through one of your interactions…)
Thanks for your great comments, Richard!!
Well done Jackie,
Finally got to view the interaction! You insist we must not escalate the situation by pulling a gun, which is very good! I seem to love engaging people and believe it’s the best way to resolve any conflict, two wrongs never make a right!
And the design is simple and it’s humorous too.
Hi Daniel – Thanks for your comments! Glad you liked it. Engagement is where it’s at. :)
I really like your idea of using non-threatening characters to drive the scenarios.
If you kept the theme going, you could introduce some additional characters. I’m thinking the Burgermeister Meisterburger might make a strong antagonist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX87QQLVD5k
Only one question: Was that a gluten-free gingerbread man?
Hi David!
I’m glad you like the idea of non-threatening characters. I didn’t discuss it in the post, but I’d never create anything that depicts violence – even though I understand the need to teach topics that address it.
I was happy with this one because I think it shows you can approach the topic in a creative way, make your points, provide opportunities for practice, keep the learner engaged, and essentially have a successful learning experience – all without playing into the negative energy that’s at the root of the problem to begin with.
This is the second challenge in a row where you’ve (unintentionally?) presented me with the even greater challenge of framing negative information in a positive way. It’s tougher, but I can handle it. :)
I didn’t inquire about the gluten levels of my gingerbread man when I cast him – (didn’t seem legal or appropriate) – but I can find out. I’d love to label this one as “gluten free”.
Hahaha. It wasn’t intentional this week. I’m guessing you’re pretty good at delivering bad news?
I guess so? I can’t think of any I’ve had to deliver in recent years, though that seems impossible even to me. Maybe: “I’m sorry Mr. Reindeer, your role in this demo was eliminated during the design process but we hope to work with you again soon”?
Reindeer can get a little passive aggressive. When they feel dissed, they’ll often withhold shining their noses and all that goes with red-nosed flight navigation.
Guessing you won’t care for the “share your client breakup stories” thread I’m going to start:-)
Uh oh. I didn’t know that about reindeer. That’s not good.
I look forward to your client breakup stories thread! You know I respect and appreciate allllllll of the topics and challenges you put out there. It’s no one’s challenge but my own to keep it genuine yet positive. :)
Jackie: I know this is an old sample, but still…you are the master of zoom!
Haha!! Thanks Daniel! I’m adding that to my LinkedIn profile right now! :-D