In The future of Education and Skills (OECD) – it is stressed that “to navigate through such uncertainty, students will need to develop curiosity, imagination, resilience and self regulation; they will need to respect and appreciate the ideas, perspectives and values of others; and they will need to cope with failure and rejection, and to move forward in the face of adversity”.
The servant leadership model is demonstrated through empowerment and the development of people; by expressing humility, authenticity, interpersonal acceptance, and stewardship; and by providing direction. It builds in people a sense of inclusiveness that welcomes diversity and participation across different levels (embraces significant differences), at the same time that promotes meaningfulness, giving people a clear sense of purpose that prevents from turning into chaos (Correia de Sousa & van Dierendonck, 2010).
Through the Play2Lead game the goal is to put the learners into situations that require the activation of key characteristics of the Servant Leadership model in order to play and win the game. Learners must collaborate in teams and/or take the role of leaders to overcome challenges related to specific countries in the board game and collaboratively be successful.
Play2Lead gathers the expertise of 5 partners from 4 different countries: Professionshojskolen Lillebaelt (UCL), Denmark; Advancis Business Services, Lda – Portuga; Associazione Docenti e Dirigenti Scolastici Italiani (ADI) – Italy; Scholé – Portugal and Tabasalu Ühisgümnaasium, Estonia. The consortium has been supported by the Erasmus+ Programme and through the past 2 years, partners had the opportunity to set the board game concept through an initial research. Following research, partners focused on an iterative approach to set, design and refine the board game involving learners, educators and families in all project stages ensuring a better fit with their expectations and needs. Additionaly, the consortium has also developed a Facilitators Guide and Leadership Cards.
The Play2Lead board game and support materials are available for free through the project website.
Everyone who wishes to try it, use it an even create their own boards, based on their countries or adapting to other topics, can do it by downloading the materials.