[CPTAUSRET]

Originally Posted by NousDefionsDoc

There was a selection exercise they used for OSS operatives during WWII. The candidate was placed in charge and had two "helpers" under him. They were given a set of tinker toy-like objects and a schematic and told to build what was on the drawing. The catch was the candidate couldn't touch it, only give directions to the "helpers". And the "helpers" were instructed to be particularly unhelpful. One always had a better way and opposed the directions by the candidate. The other would do everything wrong. They would talk to themselves in a foreign language, etc.

I have been thinking about this a lot and I really like it. It teaches maintaining calm with increasing frustration levels. Good for working with indig. I also think it could be a valuable teaching tool for subordinates to get a taste of the burden of leadership without any real risk. Just have one of the "helpers" demonstrate the negative characteristics displayed by the person receiving the lesson.

As for the OSS, reportedly only one candidate ever got the thing built. A big Texan that apparently knocked the shit out of both the helpers as soon as they started their games. LOL

I like it!

Know any big Texans?

Terry