Empathetic Leader

Participants play one guided chess game collectively with a handmade sculptural set. This unique way of playing chess is a powerful tool for practicing opening up and listening to the room before deciding the next best move. The collaborative process of seeing, listening and discussing the possibilities of the board creates strong empathetic connection.

Highlights:

• Make decisions together and expand a sense of empathy with the goal of collectively finding the best next move
• Learn how to strategize and think analytically through the abstract language of Chess
• Deepen focus by engaging on a dynamic game.
* Knowing chess is helpful, but not necessary

I loved how I could rely on others to be my extra eyes and warn me of things I might have missed. I find this a great exercise for creating a team of people that empower each other and grow together to overcome challenges rather than compete. When you share goals and switch between roles quickly, as you do in this workshop, it creates opportunities to get to know people deeper faster and create meaningful bonds around an activity that puts them over and over on the other side.

Nastaran Arfaei

Neuroscience PHD candidate, Harvard University