With teamwork being a key aspect in staff learning of how to develop a more connected relationship with their colleagues, it is vital that team-building activities are utilized in the workplace. However, this is easier said than done. Suppose you put your staff members into groups—who says that they will engage in any teamwork? In fact, a lot of employers are finding that their teams are sceptical of one another, making it difficult to connect.
Luckily though, there are several team-building exercises that have been shown to induce positive relationships among students. Below you will find four simple activities that provide opportunities for staff to interact, engage, and create a team atmosphere.
1. Fact or Fiction
In a circle moving either clock-wise or counter-clockwise, each person gives three “facts” about themselves–2 truths, one fiction. The others raise their hands to volunteer to analyse each “truth” as either fact or fiction.
The person who guesses correctly goes next, or may pass the turn to the person of their choice.
2. Me Too!
The group is split into two lines facing each other. The leader makes a series of statements. If the statement holds true, the players step forward. If not, they stand still.
This activity helps to establish commonality with colleagues while allowing the leader to differentiate statements based on class, grade level, or the community.
3. Magic Ball
The group passes a magic “ball” in clockwise or counter-clockwise circle, each time transforming the “ball” into a new object. Each person acts out what the ball “is” in a way that communicates it to the others–by shape, weight, size, function, etc. A video game controller, for example.
This is a silent activity, and there is no “winner” or competitive layer, as every person gets a chance to participate. The leader should have ideas for players who may struggle to think quickly on the fly–written on note cards, for example.
4. Catch
This is a team-building game that is not only fun, but it also creates a median for teaching while also boosting the energy of all those involved. To play, you will need anywhere from twelve to twenty-four soft-textured balls. If you have a decent amount of tennis balls lying around, they’ll work.
The beauty of this game is that you can use it amongst large groups of people. Start with around eight to ten people and have them stand side-by-side, forming a circle. Hand one of the people a ball and have him/her throw it to another member of the circle. The person who receives the ball will then thank the thrower of the ball by name. From there, the person now holding the ball will throw it to someone else in the circle, but first they must recognize them by name.
Eventually, everyone will have received the ball. At this point, inform everyone in the circle that they must remember which person they threw the ball too, as well as who they received the ball from. Now, the rotation will begin again, and in the same order too. However, during this round, the ball transactions must occur quicker. Gradually, incorporate the rest of the balls until every ball has been dispensed.
The typical outcome is a classroom full of scattered balls, which is when the activity has reached a stopping point. Most leaders find that through all of the energy, there are ample opportunities to relate this game to a particular activity as well as a portal for the group to get to know one another too.