Team-building exercises have a bad reputation of being awkward and unproductive, but that need not be the case.
In this article, we’ve listed 5 effective team-building exercises that you should consider.
Our top tips?
Have a clear objective and a desired outcome before you start planning, and choose activities that suit your team.
1. Blind drawing
This team-building exercise is a verbal version of the board game, Pictionary.
First, split into two teams. Then a member from each team is given a picture of an object or word and must use words that do not directly describe it.
The goal of the game is to be the first team to guess the object or word.
The actual goal of the exercise is to build up communication skills and practice active listening.
2. Sell me something
Need something to break your team out of a rut?
This one’s for you.
Split into teams of 2-3 people, give each team an everyday object like a pen or a mug.
Ask each team to create a logo, marketing plan, slogan and a two minute pitch for the object.
After each team’s presentation, discuss how each team worked together, what was effective (and what wasn’t) and any learnings and observations.
3. What’s your personality type?
Personality quizzes are an excellent and informative starting point to build a new or existing team, and they are readily available online.
Have your team complete personality tests individually, such as the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator test and share their results (if they’re comfortable).
Tests like these will give the team insight into the way each team member prefers to use their perception and judgement.
It encourages team members to be more understanding and empathetic of each other, and ultimately, learn to communicate effectively.
4. Quiz time
Break the 3:30pm slump with an afternoon pop quiz from the Herald Sun or The Age newspaper.
These factual quizzes are fast, informative (sometimes), and funny, especially if there’s healthy competition within the team.
Assign a different team member each week to be Quizmaster and host the quiz. Don’t forget to throw in some snacks as an incentive for correct answers.
This team-building exercise is particularly effective if there’s someone new to the team, and if your team sits in front of a screen for long periods of time.
5. Let’s grab a bite
Whether it’s a Friday lunch, a morning coffee or an ice-cream run in the late afternoon, taking the team out of the office to share food and drink can bring your team together in more ways than one.
Even though this can happen organically, it’s an extremely effective and supportive team-building exercise, especially if the team is going through a challenging period.
Whatever team-building exercise you choose, don’t be afraid to modify to your team and ask them for suggestions!