Give your learners a chance to address these last two questions in a quick action learning exercise called Steeerike what? 

a. Ask your learners to be plate umpires for a moment. Poll the class to see how close or far people think the Brooklyn Bluebirds are from striking out. If they strike out, explain that it means they may stay open for business, but lose Mickey and other players who would still be attractive to other pro teams. They would be out of contention for the pennant this year and beyond. However, if they still have two strikes left, perhaps resolution of building conflicts can be accomplished. 

b. If the whole class calls “Strike three, they’re out!” then there is no need for consultants. The game is over. Discuss why they all see it this same way.

c. However, if some call strike one and others call two strikes, there is still a chance for consultants to make a difference. Yet, those consulting at two strikes have relatively less time to get Trudy and Marty back on a cooperating, winning path. 

d. Solicit two volunteers, one to play Marty and one to play Trudy. Bring them to the front of the room and set them at a table. On the other side, place three chairs. 

e. Solicit three volunteers to be consultants to the Bluebirds that have only one strike against them. In addition, three more to be consultants to the Bluebirds close to losing their chance to stop the escalation. Give them a few minutes to huddle and cook up some ideas to try, drawing upon what they are learning about conflict, power, and politics. Instruct Marty and Trudy to play it how they think the two are feeling, having just argued about benching the players. 

f. Run the one strike round first. Have the consultants try to bring these two back to the frames of mind they had, when the team was winning. Give them only 5 minutes. Then, have Marty and Trudy huddle for a moment and come back to the consultants with their decision. Will they make any changes? 

g. Run the two strike round. Five minutes and they must stop. Again, have Marty and Trudy huddle. Are they feeling more pressure now to save the team? 

h. Lead the class in a discussion of what emerged from these two rounds of role-playing. Are they able to set aside their personal interests and feelings and learn what it takes to save the team?