6 in stock (can be backordered)
DUPLO© is a silent group exercise where participants must build a tower together — without saying a word. Each person holds a card with a secret criterion the tower must meet, and the only tools available are body language and gestures. The exercise brings leadership, delegation, listening, and team dynamics to the surface making it easy to discuss.
+ Main topic: Leadership; attitudes and behaviours
+ Related topics: cooperation and teamwork; effective communication and listening
+ Training length: 30 – 50 minutes (including debrief)
+ Included: 30 recycled DUPLO bricks in different shapes, sizes and colours, 7 criteria cards, trainer manual with briefing and debriefings instructions
+ Number of participants: 4 – 7 participants per set
+ Shipping: We ship your products within 5 working days.
Ready to run
High-impact exercise
Hands-on, in-person exercise
DUPLO© is a group exercise where participants must build a tower that meets 7 criteria, without speaking. Each participant receives a personal criteria card that may not be shown to others, and three of these cards also assign a leadership role.
Since all verbal communication is prohibited, participants must rely on gestures and body language to coordinate the building of the tower. This setup naturally raises questions such as, who took charge, how did the group listen, and what did leadership look like in practice?
The included trainer materials provide facilitation guidance, observation points, and structured debrief questions covering leadership, listening, and team behaviour.
Format
Trainer handbook delivered as instant-access PDF and physical paperback. 30 recycled DUPLO bricks packed in a convenient waterproof travel bag.
Group size
4 – 7 participants per DUPLO set
Materials
30 recycled DUPLO bricks in various sizes and colours, 7 criteria cards (3 with assigned roles), trainer manual with debriefing questions.
Distribute the DUPLO bricks and hand each participant a personal criteria card.
Build a tower that meets all 7 criteria. Participants may not speak or write.
Observe how the group organises itself. Who leads? Who defers? Who listens?
Use the structured debrief questions to explore leadership perceptions, listening behaviours, and how the group works together.
We have gathered the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you in the best way possible
The exercise surfaces how leadership, delegation, and listening behaviours emerge – without anyone being formally assigned a role. It’s particularly effective for exploring perceptions of what leadership can look like in practice.
DUPLO© works well as an opener for topics such as leadership, effective communication, cooperation, and self-awareness. The debrief discussion links directly to CRM and Human Factors topics, regardless of industry – if you’re building or refreshing your own CRM training, our CRM Trainer Core Course covers how to structure and debrief exercises like this one.
Yes. The package includes a trainer information sheet with step-by-step facilitation guidance, clear rules, and structured debrief questions – everything you need to run it with confidence.
Yes. The trainer materials include suggested debrief questions covering leadership, listening, delegation, and team behaviour – as well as guidance on how to facilitate the discussion effectively.
4–7 participants per set of bricks. For larger groups, additional sets can be used, allowing multiple groups to run simultaneously – which also introduces a natural competitive element.
No. While DUPLO© connects directly to CRM and Human Factors topics, the exercise works in any setting where leadership, communication, and teamwork are relevant — including healthcare, maritime, energy, and leadership development programmes.
