Author: Andy

Overview: Assemble the team in a small meeting room and “lock” them inside. The team members then have 30 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and clues to “unlock” the door and escape a zombie apocalypse. A volunteer zombie will hold onto a rope in the corner of the room. The zombie will start off with half a yard of slack in the rope. Every five minutes the zombie’s rope will extend by an additional half a yard. As time passes, the zombie will be able to infect/tag healthy team members. If a team member is tagged, they are…

Overview: At one point or another your participants have stood in front of the bathroom mirror, hair brush in hand and belted out their favorite tune! The Battle of the Bands activity enables your team to step out into the spotlight and unleash their inner Rockstar. Split the group into teams of 4 to 6 people.  Each team must create a band name and choose a workplace appropriate song to perform in front of a live audience. The band should delegate their own singers, air guitarists, drummers, etc. Give them plenty of time to perfect their performances and finish the…

By Heather Hafner It’s time to start planning your annual team building day. This year, you’ve decided to take it outside. It would be great for everyone to get together and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. What could happen? Well…plenty. Team building can be a great way to engage your employees, increase communication and collaboration and it is an opportunity for those who work remotely to connect with employees from the home office. A smooth running, fun and fulfilling day can create all of those opportunities. The team building environment is a key component to success. Here are…

By Heather Hafner There are many times when you should entrust your company’s event to a professional team building company because there are too many people, moving parts, unknowns and you have other responsibilities. There are times when you can go it alone using this site’s activities and a little advice. Let’s assume you have already picked your team building event and activities. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for a successful team building event. Have an event team…even if it is just one other person. There are many times when you think you have “thought of…

Overview In this activity, teams use hula hoops to build a structure in the shortest time possible. Resources: Hula Hoops – 6 to 8 per team Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors.  But, if you run it indoors make sure you have a flat surface. Group Size:  Flexible, but groups of 6 are optimal. Total Time: 20 minutes 2 minutes to describe the activity 3 minutes planning time 10 minutes for implementation – 2 rounds of 5 minutes 5 minutes to debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Give each team 6 hula hoops Make sure each team has space to work…

ACTIVITY NOTES Overview: Using the materials provided, each team must construct a source of shelter. During the challenge, each of the team members (except for one group leader) will be blindfolded. The group leader (who is not blindfolded), is not permitted to physically touch the construction. The shelter must be large enough for two team members to fit inside. The team must rely on their communication skills to overcome their physical restrictions to build the shelter. This is an excellent activity for developing communication skills, problem solving, time management, and creative thinking. Equipment Required: You may use a variety of…

By Heather Hafner Our series on the DISC behavioral styles has examined the traits of the styles and how they can be useful in understanding individuals and building teams. In Merrick Rosenberg’s book, The Chameleon, he paired the four DISC letters with four birds to make them easy to remember. Eagles/Dominants are high flying, they like the big picture and are assertive, confident and results-oriented.  You might hear them ask, “what’s the point”?  Parrots/Interactives like to talk, enjoy large groups of people and are enthusiastic and optimistic. Parrots are the life of every party. Doves/Supportives often put their own needs…

Overview: In this activity, pairs of participants will work together to transport a raw egg on a spoon. Resources: One spoon per participant pair One egg per participant pair One blindfold per participant pair Materials to create an obstacle course – string, rope, PVC pipes, chairs, etc. Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors.  But, if you run it indoors either boil the eggs or put down something to cover the carpeting/floor. Group Size:  Flexible.  You can have small groups of 2 or run it with larger teams in sub groups. Total Time: 20 minutes 2 minutes to describe the…

Overview: In this activity, participants will compete to sort colored candy with a straw. Resources: One straw per participant Flat colored candies – M&Ms work best. Bowls – starting and ending Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors but you need a table.  Chocolate candies will melt in the sun. Group Size:  Flexible.  Depends on how many candies you use. Total Time: 20 minutes 2 minutes to describe the activity 3 minutes planning time 10 minutes for implementation 5 minutes to debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up For each group, mix flat colored candies into bag/bowls. Put out one straw per…

Overview: In this activity, participants will work together to tape a suspended participant to the wall with duct tape. Resources: Two rolls of ducts tape Scissors A chair or small step ladder per group Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors but you need a wall – preferably brick. Group Size:  6 people per group.  No maximum. Total Time: 50 minutes 5 minutes to describe the activity 8 minutes planning time 27 minutes for implementation 10 minutes to debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Give each group 2 rolls of duct tape and two pairs of scissors Start the activity near…

Overview In this activity, participants will work together to untie a series of knots in a rope while being attached to it. Resources: One team rope per 10 people Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  No maximum or minimum Total Time: 35 minutes 3 minutes to describe the activity 5 minutes planning time 17 minutes for implementation 10-minute debrief Prerequisite: None Set Up Lay out one rope per 10 people.  Attach 10 pieces of rope, or bungee, in equal intervals down the rope.  The objective is to have 10 people attached to the rope in equal distances…

Overview In this activity, participants will greet each other displaying different levels of emotions. Resources: None Space Required: Can be indoors or outdoors. Group Size:  No maximum or minimum Total Time: 12 minutes 1 minute to describe each level of the activity (3 total) Three or four 3-minute activity periods Prerequisite: None Set Up: None Running the Activity Objective:  To get participants moving – both physically and emotionally. Have everyone stand in an open area. Introduce the concept – participants are going to meet and greet five new people in each round. Round 1: Greet 5 people as you would at…