Collaboration stations

Two candidates work together to complete a task, and one or two observers are present. One applicant will deliver instructions/explain (generally referred to as the leader) and the other applicant (generally referred to as the follower) will complete a task (e.g., puzzle building, drawing). The process is repeated at another station and the roles are reversed. You may or not be with the same candidate. Typically, you are placed back to back with your partner so you cannot see each other.

A common scenario is: “Guide your partner to complete this puzzle. At the end of the station you will be given time to provide feedback to each other”.

• The goal is not to complete the task: it is about communication and teamwork
• Greet the other candidate (e.g., introduce self, ask how day is going, etc.)
• Describe the task: help your partner understand the task; show leadership skills by initiating the collaboration with your partner
• Strategize with your partner: plan how to complete the task together (e.g., how you will communicate, length of time spent on each step, how to provide feedback, what materials does your partner have in front of them, do they like to draw. This is an important step, one that is often missed!)
• Highlight potential difficulties: discuss difficulties/problems (complexity of task, time limitations)
• Give step-by-step directions: break the task down and give simple instructions at each step (make sure other applicant and observer understand what you are doing and why); don’t provide too many directions at once, and ask partner to check-in and repeat back steps
• When asked to provide feedback to each other; discuss any difficulties you faced only after you have given positive feedback to your partner
• When in the follower role, if the leader does not strategize with you, politely recommend that you strategize together before proceeding further with the station