Do you want to conduct the leadership coat of arms activity with your teams?
This activity is a creative tool rooted in symbolism. It helps individuals explore their core values, strengths, and leadership philosophies. By designing a personal shield, participants translate abstract concepts into tangible symbols, fostering self-awareness.
In this article, let’s see how this powerful exercise can strengthen your team’s leadership capabilities.
Here is an overview of the sections in this article:
- Objectives of the Activity
- 5 Variations of the Leadership Coat of Arms Activity
- Tips for Successful Facilitation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Objectives of the Activity
The Leadership Coat of Arms is a powerful exercise designed to build stronger, more self-aware leaders. It is a reflective tool that encourages deep personal insight within a collaborative team setting.
Here are the key objectives of this activity:
Foster Self-Reflection
This activity prompts leaders to pause and think about what truly drives them. It encourages an internal audit of their personal values, principles, and the legacy they wish to build. By selecting symbols to represent their core beliefs, participants must crystallize abstract ideas into concrete visuals. This process enhances self-awareness. It provides clarity on what matters most to them as individuals and professionals.
Clarify Leadership Philosophy
Every leader has a unique philosophy, whether they have formally defined it or not. The coat of arms exercise provides a framework for articulating this philosophy in a creative way. Participants can identify their primary strengths, the values that guide their decisions, and their vision for the future. This helps them understand their own leadership style. It also helps them communicate it more effectively to their teams.
Enhance Team Cohesion
When team members share their coats of arms, they reveal aspects of their character and motivation that might not surface in daily work. This exchange builds empathy and understanding among colleagues. Learning about a teammate’s core values or personal mission creates deeper connections. It strengthens the interpersonal bonds that are essential for a high-functioning team. It transforms a group of individuals into a more unified unit.
Align on Shared Values
This activity can be a powerful tool for aligning a team around a common purpose. After individuals create their personal coats of arms, the group can collaborate on a team version. This process sparks important conversations about collective goals and shared principles. It helps the team define a unified identity. This shared crest becomes a symbol of their collective commitment and direction.
Promote Creative Thinking
The activity moves beyond typical business discussions. It invites participants to engage their creative side. Using drawing, symbols, and storytelling encourages a different way of thinking. It can unlock new perspectives and innovative ideas. This blend of analytical reflection and artistic expression makes the learning process more memorable, engaging, and impactful for everyone involved.
5 Variations of the Leadership Coat of Arms Activity
Here are five different ways to conduct the Leadership Coat of Arms activity with your teams.
#1. The Classic Coat of Arms
This version is the foundational exercise for self-reflection. It asks participants to create a personal shield representing their leadership identity.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, and pens or markers
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team member to draw a large shield and divide it into four quadrants.
- In each quadrant, instruct them to draw a symbol representing a specific prompt, such as a core value or a major accomplishment.
- Have them add a personal motto or slogan at the bottom of the shield that encapsulates their leadership philosophy.
- Ask each person to share their coat of arms with their team, explaining the meaning behind their chosen symbols.
Debrief
- What was the most challenging part of creating your coat of arms?
- How does your personal motto guide your daily actions as a leader?
- What is one thing you learned about a teammate that surprised you, and why?
You can also read:
50 Easy Team Building Activities (Workplace)
#2. The Team Crest
This collaborative variation focuses on creating a unified identity. The team works together to design a single coat of arms that represents their shared purpose.
Time: You decide
Materials: A large whiteboard or flip chart, and markers
Participants: Group of any size
Instructions
- Facilitate a group discussion to identify the team’s shared values, key strengths, and collective mission.
- Draw a large shield on the whiteboard and divide it into sections based on the themes identified by the group.
- Invite team members to come up and draw symbols in each section that represent their collective identity.
- As a group, decide on a team motto that captures the essence of your shared purpose.
Debrief
- How did the team decide on the final symbols for the crest?
- Does the team motto accurately reflect how you work together? If so, why?
- How can you use this team crest to stay aligned in the future?
#3. The Digital Coat of Arms
This modern take on the activity uses digital tools. It allows for easy sharing and collaboration across different locations.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A digital whiteboard tool (like Miro or Mural) or presentation software
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Create a shared digital workspace with a template for the coat of arms for each team member.
- Provide prompts for each quadrant, just as you would in the classic version, using text boxes or sticky notes.
- Allow participants to use digital drawing tools, icons, or images to design their shields.
- Use the screen-sharing feature for each person to present their digital coat of arms to the rest of the team.
Debrief
- What are the advantages of creating a coat of arms digitally?
- How did seeing everyone’s shields on one screen impact the discussion?
- In what other ways could your team use digital tools for creative collaboration?
#4. The Strengths-Based Shield
This focused version centers exclusively on individual and team strengths. It is a great way to boost confidence and recognize talent within the group.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, pens, and a list of strengths-based vocabulary (optional)
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team member to reflect on their top three to four professional strengths or positive attributes.
- Instruct them to draw a shield and create a symbol for each identified strength.
- Encourage them to add a word or phrase to their shield that describes how these strengths benefit the team.
- Have each person present their shield, focusing on how their unique talents contribute to team’s success.
Debrief
- Was it easy or difficult to identify your top strengths? If so, why?
- How do your strengths complement the strengths of your teammates?
- What is one strength you admire in a colleague that was shared today, and why?
#5. The Future-Focused Coat of Arms
This forward-looking variation challenges participants to envision their future. It helps them set goals and create a visual roadmap for their development.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, and colored pencils or markers
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask team members to draw a shield representing their leadership aspirations five years from now.
- Have them use symbols to illustrate the skills they want to acquire, the impact they hope to make, and the values they will uphold.
- Ask them to write a motto that reflects their future leadership vision.
- In the sharing session, have each person explain their future-focused shield and one step they can take to start working toward that vision.
Debrief
- What is the biggest change between your current leadership self and your future vision?
- What support do you need from the team to achieve your future goals?
- How can the team hold each other accountable for pursuing these future aspirations?
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Tips for Successful Facilitation
Facilitating this activity requires creating a safe and supportive environment. Your role is to guide the process, not to dictate the outcomes.
Here are some tips to ensure the session is successful:
Set a Positive and Open Tone
Begin the activity by explaining its purpose in a way that feels encouraging and low-pressure. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, and drawing skills are not important. The goal is self-reflection, not artistic perfection. Use warm body language and an encouraging tone to make participants feel comfortable. When you model openness, others are more likely to share honestly. Let them know this is a space for exploration.
Provide Clear Instructions
Clarity is key to a smooth experience. Before participants begin, walk them through the instructions step-by-step. Show a simple example of a shield with empty quadrants to help them visualize the task. Clearly state the prompts for each quadrant and the time allotted for the activity. When instructions are straightforward, participants can focus their mental energy on reflection rather than trying to figure out what to do.
Manage Time Effectively
Keep an eye on the clock to ensure the activity stays on schedule. Announce time checks, such as “You have about five minutes left,” to help participants manage their progress. Be flexible if you notice the group needs more time for reflection or sharing. The goal is meaningful discussion, so it is okay to adjust the timing slightly. However, maintaining a general structure ensures that every part of the activity, especially the debrief, gets the attention it deserves.
Encourage Thoughtful Sharing
The sharing portion is where the most valuable insights emerge. Create a structured process for this part. You could go around in a circle or ask for volunteers. When a person shares, listen actively and thank them for their contribution. If the group is quiet, use the prepared debrief questions to spark conversation. Your role is to foster a dialogue where team members feel heard, respected, and valued for their vulnerability.
Lead a Strong Debrief
The debrief transforms a simple drawing exercise into a powerful leadership lesson. Go beyond just having people explain their symbols. Use open-ended questions to connect the activity back to daily work and team dynamics. Ask questions like, “How can we support each other’s values?” or “What common themes did we see in our shields?” A well-led debrief helps solidify the learning. It ensures the insights from the activity have a lasting impact on the team.
Final Words
The Leadership Coat of Arms activity is more than just a team building game. It is a versatile tool for personal discovery and team alignment. By translating values and aspirations into symbols, leaders gain clarity on their purpose. This exercise builds trust, enhances communication, and forges a stronger collective identity. Use it to unlock deeper insights within your team. You will create a more connected and purpose-driven group.
FAQ: Leadership Coat of Arms Activity
You might have these questions in mind.
What is the main purpose of the Leadership Coat of Arms activity?
The primary goal is to foster self-reflection among leaders and team members. It helps individuals identify and articulate their core values, strengths, and leadership philosophy. The activity also aims to build team cohesion by creating a space for open sharing and mutual understanding.
How long does this activity usually take?
The activity is flexible, but a typical session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. This includes time for individual creation, group sharing, and a debrief discussion. You can adjust the duration based on your team’s size and the depth of conversation you want to encourage.
Do participants need to be good at drawing?
Not at all. Emphasize that artistic skill is irrelevant. The focus is on the meaning behind the symbols, not the quality of the drawing. Simple stick figures and basic shapes are perfectly fine for conveying powerful ideas.
Can this activity be done with remote teams?
Yes, it is highly adaptable for virtual settings. You can use digital whiteboard tools like Miro or Mural, where participants can create their coats of arms using digital drawing tools, icons, and images. Screen sharing allows everyone to present their work just as they would in person.
What if team members are hesitant to share?
Create a safe and supportive environment from the start. As a leader, you can model vulnerability by sharing your own coat of arms first. Reassure the group that there is no judgment and that all contributions are valuable. Using thoughtful, open-ended questions during the debrief can also help ease people into the conversation.