Pancakes vs. Waffles
A rapid-fire elimination game where the group must collectively decide which of two items to keep in existence while the other is 'obliterated.' It starts with low-stakes food items and escalates to more significant concepts.
To practice group consensus-building and advocacy in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Solves: Analysis paralysis or team members being hesitant to voice opinions during serious debates.
- 1
Step 1: Present the initial choice: 'The world can only keep Pancakes or Waffles; the other disappears forever. Which do we keep?' (2 min).
- 2
Step 2: Allow 3 minutes for advocates from both sides to make their case to the group.
- 3
Step 3: Call for a majority vote to eliminate one option (1 min).
- 4
Step 4: The winner of the previous round faces a new challenger (e.g., Waffles vs. Puppies) and repeat (10 min).
- Keep the pace fast to prevent over-thinking.
- As the game progresses, introduce more abstract or work-related concepts to see how values shift.
- Work-themed version: 'Slack vs. Email' or 'Meetings vs. Deep Work'.