What is it?

The Trading Game is a team building workshop that simulates the negotiating activities that may need to take place between different departments or organisations when setting up joint ventures.

Why is it useful?

It develops realistic and co-operative approaches to partnership negotiations by:

• Experiencing the dynamics of multi-party negotiations and practicing basic tactics.
• Observing the impact that win-lose negotiations have on teams.
• Identifying the effect that competitive negotiation has on relationships.

Objectives

• To recognise the need to take a long-term view of partnership relationships.
• To develop collaborative problem-solving skills.
• To improve negotiating skills.

Resources Required

• At least 1 hour.
• 8–30 people (15 is ideal).
• Room with space for 5–6 groups of 4–6 players each, with plenty of space between.
• One table/desk per group, plus organiser’s table.
• Blackboard or wall for posters.
• Extra pencils and paper for emergencies.
• For 30 players you will need:
  • 30 A4 sheets of paper (same colour).
  • 30 ‘pound notes’ of £100 each.
  • 2 post-it pads.
  • 4 pairs of scissors.
  • 4 rulers.
  • 2 compasses.
  • 2 set squares.
  • 2 protractors.
  • 14 pencils.
  • 2 charts (Diagram of Shapes).

Game objectives (for participants)

• Each group aims to make as much money as possible using the resources provided.
• Money is earned by manufacturing paper shapes from the Diagram of Shapes.
• Shapes must be produced in batches of five, taken to the banker for checking and crediting.
• The more shapes produced, the greater the wealth.

Rules (for participants)

• Shapes must be cut with clean edges, exact size.
• Only the materials provided may be used.
• No physical force allowed.
• The leader represents the UN and may intervene in disputes.

Process

1. Display the diagram

Ensure all players can see the Diagram of Shapes by copying it to a blackboard or creating posters.

2. Arrange the room

Set up six working areas with flat surfaces for each group.

3. Assign facilitator roles

Two organisers are needed: one banker, one leader.

• Banker: manages accounts.
• Leader: observes, may introduce new elements, and leads plenary.

4. Prepare banker’s sheet

Banker sets up six columns (one for each group) for recording results.

5. Prepare materials

Place Diagram of Shapes, equipment sets, banker’s sheet, and furniture in place.

6. Form groups

Divide participants into 5–6 groups, allocate areas, and distribute resources.

7. Explain objectives and rules

Read out the objectives and rules clearly to participants.

8. Run the game

Groups manufacture and trade for 30–45 minutes.

9. Stop the game

Call time, allow activity to settle, and start the plenary while banker counts final scores.

Plenary questions

• How did that go for you?
• What did you find most challenging?
• Were there any emotional responses that surprised you?
• What strategy brought most success and why?
• What would you do differently next time?
• What does this tell you about relationship building?

Secret Sauce

• Expect confusion early on; resist answering questions. Simply repeat the rules or stay silent.
• After a few minutes, participants will begin trading naturally.
• Leave plenty of time for plenary discussion — it can be emotional.
• Stay fair and avoid favouring any group.
• Try to ensure every group has a moment of importance. Adjust dynamics using ideas from "Managing the Game" or "Possible simulations".