Free Team Building Game

Time:            

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

Participants:

• Ideal maximum = 4 groups of 5-7 individuals each group

Materials: 

1. Old newspaper rolled into 6 to 8 rolls

2. Masking tape

3. Gallon jug half-full of water

4. A plastic dishpan-type container

5. CD/cassette player, with lively music appropriate for the group's culture

Purpose: 

• Demonstrate importance of teamwork, communication and creative problem solving

Preparation and Notes for Facilitator:

• Pre-prepare a flip chart with these rules:

1. Using any materials other than newspaper and masking tape is prohibited.
2. Each group must build a bridge that the plastic dishpan can pass under and hold the gallon jug for 10 seconds.
3. Cannot stick/tape to another person or furniture.
4. Agenda:  7 minutes for strategic planning; 8 minutes to build the bridge.
5. Only non-verbal communications are allowed - no talking.

• Divide up the large group into small teams of 5-7, using any method that is appropriate.

Ask the teams to select a Team Leader.

• Give this Instruction handout to each Team Leader:

1. Build a bridge using only the newspaper and masking tape.
2. The bridge must be strong enough to hold this jug (show the jug and let them check the feel of it for weight).
3. The bridge must be high enough for the dishpan to pass underneath it.
4. The bridge must be free-standing; not attached to the wall, a piece of furniture, a person or an article of clothing.

• Start the activity :

1. Remind them they will have 7 minutes for a planning session.  Stop them after the 7 minutes.
2. Distribute the newspaper and tape.  They now have 8 minutes to construct their bridge.
3. Remind them of the "no talking" rule for this 8 minutes.
4. At the end of 8 minutes, allow the groups 30 seconds to speak to each other and then an additional 3 minutes of SILENT work to complete their bridge. During this last work session, play your music selection.
5. Call time and have one group at a time present their bridge. A spokesperson from each group will talk about their bridge and pass the dishpan under and put the jug on top. When the jug is put on top, all will count for 10 seconds. (This will be done for each group).

• Debrief questions:

1. How did you work as a group?
2. Which part was the most difficult?
3. Did everyone participate in some way?
4. Did you feel that you contributed to the group?
5. Did you feel that you were part of the group?
6. Were there individuals who were particularly quiet?
7. How was their quietness interpreted: agreement or disagreement?
8. What influenced the type of bridge built by each group?
9. Why were any two alike?
10. How did communication or lack of it affect the work of the group?
11. What characteristics of teamwork became evident during this exercise?

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