Team-building exercises are simply tools used to create solidarity in a group – to allow group members to know each other better, and to have a fun experience as a team. These exercises can be used in a variety of situations, including orientation/training sessions, at meetings, etc. They need not be elaborate or expensive; indeed, simplicity is fun too!

Below are some examples of team-building exercises. Some are more elaborate than others, and some are directed to particular situations (i.e. when a group first meets). Other examples of team-building might be a “murder mystery party”, a sports game, or a casual barbeque.

The Interview

An easy method of creating group solidarity, and introducing members to each other, is to have individuals split up into pairs for fifteen minutes. During this time, individuals find out information about the other – name, occupation, favourite things to do, family, etc. At the end of this exercise, the group meets together, and the individuals who “interviewed” introduce the “interviewee” to the group.

Most Precious Possession

This exercise could begin or end a regular meeting, or it might be part of a special session for building group communication. Each member brings their “most precious possession” and without showing it to the others, places it in a box designated for this purpose.

Later, each item is taken out, one by one, and the group tries to guess who the object belongs to. After the objects have all been taken out and guesses are made, owners claim their objects and tell the group why they are precious.

Treasure Hunt

Treasure hunts need not be only for children; adults (and teenagers) can enjoy this activity too. A treasure hunt can be made small (i.e. within the scope of the building), or more elaborate (i.e. within the city).

Items to be “hunted down” should be fun, and preferably open to interpretation. Items need not necessarily be ‘items’, either; they may be a “signature from a fire fighter”, a “song from a neighbour”, or a “funny joke”. The more creative participants are allowed to be, the more fun a treasure hunt is.

“Find One Person Who”

This exercise is useful in introducing individuals, and can be a fun way to begin an orientation or training session. Individuals are given a standard list of things describing different people and traits, and their job is to circulate around the room, and find a person who matches each description. At the end of the exercise, individuals are encouraged to talk about some of the more interesting entries, and things that they learned about others.

Possible traits and people to look for may include: someone who plays a musical instrument; has read a good book; considers him/herself a great cook; can change a tire; comes from a large family; likes sushi; can speak another language, and so on.

Magic Blob

An imaginary “blob” is passed around the circle. Each person takes it from the previous person in one shape, but passes it to the next person in a new form. For example, when John passes the blob to Cathy, it is a piece of stretchy taffy. In Cathy’s hand it becomes a bouncing ball. But when Gary catches the ball on a dribble, it becomes a very heavy barbell.

Thinking As A Group

A fun exercise that explores what it is like to ‘think as a group’ involves having individuals emptying their pockets of change (being sure to count it beforehand, so that they get the correct amount back at the end!) and having a fixed amount of time to decide, as a group, what to (hypothetically) spend this money on. The facilitator of the group can observe this exercise, noting whether or not there is equal participation among members, how the group comes to a conclusion that everyone agrees on, etc.

After the exercise, everyone talks about how they felt. Did they feel included in the decision? What were the challenges of ‘thinking as a group’? What were the rewards? This exercise is useful as a group-building exercise, particularly when people first meet. It is fun, as well as educational.

Excerpt from “Volunteer Synchronicity”. To order this 400+ page manual please call (250) 762 2355 or e-mail the Kelowna Women’s Resource Centre at kelwomenscentre@telus.net.