Communication Focused Team Building Activities
Team Tutorial
Divide your group into pairs. Appoint one person in each pair as the teacher. Teachers will provide step-by-step instructions to their teammates on a simple activity, such as making a sandwich, tying their shoes or brushing their teeth. Teammates must carry out the steps precisely as their teachers instruct them. For instance, if a teacher says, “Put the toothpaste on the toothbrush,” the student should place the entire tube of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Instead, the teacher should say, “Twist the cap off the toothpaste and then squeeze a pea-size amount onto the bristles of the toothbrush.” The point of this activity is to show the importance of clear communication.
Paired Artists
Pair employees for this activity, as well. Give each team member a pad of paper and pen or pencil. Instruct them to sit on the floor with their backs together. One team member will be the lead artist. Leads should draw a simple picture on their pads and explain to their partners what they are drawing without giving away the result. For instance, someone drawing a flower might begin, “Draw a medium circle in the center of the page.” Compare drawings when finished. This activity also displays how precise directions and detailed communication can make a vast difference in outcomes.
Blindfold Buddies
Once again, divide the group into teams of two. Blindfold one member of each team. Create a minefield in a large, open area by placing sheets of papers randomly around the room. One at a time, blindfolded team members will attempt to walk from one end of the minefield to the other with the verbal guidance of their teammates. If a team member steps on a mine, the team is out of the game. The pair that crosses the room in the shortest amount of time wins. Teams who provide thorough directions, such as, “Stop, turn to your right and take three large steps,” will have a better chance at reaching their goals than those who simply say, “Go right!” will.
Get into Teams
The entire group can take part in this activity together. One person acts as the caller, giving instructions to the group. The caller will shout out criteria for creating smaller teams, such as, “Get into teams of four,” “Get into a team with people wearing the same color shirt as you” or “Form a group made up of people with different shoe sizes.” Set a timer and see how well your group communicates with one another. Group members must communicated with several people in a fast-paced setting where others are attempting to communicate, as well, just as they may find themselves doing on a typical workday.
Sources:
“Leadership on the Go” – National FFA Organization
“Teambuilding Games and Activities” – DECA
