Free Team Building Game

(AN INDOOR VERSION)

Time:            

• Approximately one-half hour  (more, based on number of participants and length of debrief desired)

Participants:

• Any group size

Materials: 

• 8-10 carpet squares, paper plates, or anything that can be stepped on

• Webbing or rope to establish boundaries for each team

• Optional - scarves or other material to create blindfolds

Purpose: 

• Communication

• Problem Solving

• Leadership

Preparation and Notes for Facilitator:

• The best preparation is to try this game with friends/colleagues to identify any potential problems.

• As you work with the basic concepts, you will discover additional creative options.

• Divide the group into equal sized teams.

• Provide the teams with the materials that you are using.

Facilitate the activity:

• All team members are to get from one side of the river to the other using (an equal

  number for each team) the materials for the "magic carpet" that you have provided to them.

   

• Squares are “lost” to the facilitator if a participant is not touching the carpet

  at any point in time once the carpet is on the river.

   

• This activity can be made more challenging if 2 participants are blindfolded,

  can use only one leg, etc.

   

• If the group is not listening to one another, they can be allowed to speak only

  if they hold an object designated by the facilitator.

Debrief questions:

1. How did you work as a group?
2. Which part was the most difficult? 
3. Were there individuals who were particularly quiet?
4. How did team members deal with frustration?
5. What influenced the decisions made by your group?
6. How did communication or lack of it affect the work of the group?
7. What characteristics of teamwork became evident during this exercise?

to more team building programs for change management:

The Amazing Race

The Apprentice

Survivor

Millionaire

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Deal or No Deal

The Idol

Pyramid

Jeopardy