“The strength of a team is in its diversity, not its uniformity.”

– Scott Belsky

The importance of teamwork in the workplace cannot be overstated.

A team that works well together can achieve great things, from developing innovative products to delivering exceptional customer service. However, building a strong team at the workplace is not always easy. It requires effort, dedication, and the right strategies.

One of the most effective ways to build a strong team is through team building activities at work. These fun activities provide opportunities for employees to learn new skills, improve communication, and develop a better understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

But not all office team building activities are created equal. It’s important to choose activities that are unique, engaging, and tailored to the specific needs of your team.

In this blog post, I have come up with some of the most innovative and effective team building activities for work. From virtual indoor games to adventurous outdoor activities, I’ll cover a range of activities that are sure to inspire and engage your team.

I will also provide tips on how to make the most of these activities, from setting clear goals to debriefing and reflecting on the experience.

But why is team building so important at the workplace? A recent survey found that 73% of employees crave more team building, highlighting its potential to not only boost morale and communication, but also ignite employee creativity – a win-win for both employees and businesses. 

Another study by the Kenexa Research Institute found that 50% of positive changes in communication can be attributed to social interactions outside of work-related matters, which include Team Building Activities!

So, by incorporating fun office team building activities into your workplace, you can create a more engaged, productive, and harmonious team.

Top 18 Team Building Activities for Work

Here are the top 18 indoor, outdoor and virtual team building activities for work whether you are planning for small groups or large groups, I have curated the following activities for any workplace event or celebrations. So, let’s dive in. 

Fun Office Team Building Activities for Work

1. The Blind Leading the Cheese 🧀

This team building activity is designed to build trust, communication, and collaboration among team members in a fun and lighthearted way.

People: 4 or more (divisible by 2)

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Materials:

• Blindfolds (enough for half the participants)
• An open space in the office
• Cheese (optional, for the cheesy name!)

How to Do It:

• Divide participants into teams of two.
• Blindfold one person in each team (the “Cheese Follower”).
• The other person (the “Cheese Leader”) will guide their blindfolded teammate verbally to a designated spot in the office (the “Cheese”).
• The Cheese Leader can only use verbal instructions, no physical touch or leading.
• Once the Cheese Follower reaches the designated spot, they can remove their blindfold and confirm they found the “cheese” (or designated spot).
• Teams can switch roles and repeat the activity.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Trust: The Cheese Follower needs to trust the Cheese Leader’s instructions to navigate successfully.
• Communication: The Cheese Leader needs to be clear, concise, and descriptive in their instructions.
• Collaboration: Teams work together to achieve a common goal.
• Problem-solving: The Cheese Leader needs to find creative ways to guide their teammate using only words.
• Fun: This activity is lighthearted and can lead to a lot of laughter and bonding.

🌪️ Optional Twist:

Instead of a designated spot, have the Cheese Leader guide their teammate to find a specific object hidden in the office.

🧀 Bonus:

Offer a small reward (like a piece of actual cheese!) for the team that completes the challenge the fastest.

2. Who are you?👨🏼‍🎤

This activity is a fun and engaging way for team members to discover hidden talents and skills within each other, fostering a sense of appreciation and understanding.

People:  Any size group (works well for smaller teams)

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Materials:

• Sticky notes
• Pens or markers
• A hat or bowl

How to Do It:

• Provide each participant with sticky notes and pens/markers.
• Instruct everyone to write down two things on separate sticky notes:
• A hidden talent or skill they possess (e.g., juggling, playing a musical instrument, speaking another language)
• A fun fact about themselves (e.g., can recite Pi to 10 decimal places, collects antique teapots)
• Once everyone has finished writing, collect the sticky notes anonymously and shuffle them in a hat or bowl.
• Have participants take turns picking a sticky note and reading it aloud to the group.
• The team then guesses who the description belongs to. Encourage discussion and playful deduction.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Discovery: Helps team members learn about each other’s hidden talents and skills.
• Appreciation: Promotes appreciation for diverse skills and backgrounds within the team.
• Conversation Starter: Sparks conversation and helps break the ice, especially in new teams.
• Fun: Lively and engaging activity that can lead to laughter and surprise.

🌪️ Optional Twist:

For a more challenging twist, have participants write down three clues instead of two, making the guessing game more difficult.

🎁 Bonus:

Award a small prize (candy, company swag) to the person with the most creative hidden talent or the most surprising fun fact.

3. “Would You Rather?” Work Edition 🕵

This team building activity is a fun and engaging way to spark creative thinking, friendly debate, and team bonding through hypothetical work-related scenarios.

People: Any size group

Duration: 20-30 minutes (flexible)

Materials:

• A list of pre-written “Would You Rather?” questions specific to your company or industry (or creativity to come up with them on the spot)
• A whiteboard or flipchart (optional)

How to Do It:

• Prepare a list of “Would You Rather?” questions beforehand that are relevant to your workplace or industry. Here are some examples:
  • Would you rather always have access to the internet, or always have a free cup of coffee in your hand?
  • Would you rather be known for your brilliant ideas or your flawless execution?
  • Would you rather have a messy desk that sparks creativity or a perfectly organized workspace that boosts focus?
• Alternatively, you can skip preparation and have the team brainstorm their own “Would You Rather?” questions on the spot.
• Present the questions one at a time, either displaying them on a whiteboard or having someone read them aloud.
• Give participants time to consider each option and discuss their reasoning with colleagues.
• Encourage friendly debate and playful arguments for each side of the “Would You Rather?” scenario.

🧠 Remember: There are no right or wrong answers, the goal is to have fun and explore different perspectives.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Promotes creative problem-solving.
• Encourages active listening, clear communication, and defending one’s viewpoint.
• Team Bonding & Understanding Preferences

🌪️ Optional Twist:

Divide the group into teams and have them compete for points based on the most creative or humorous arguments for their chosen side in the “Would You Rather?” scenario.

🧐 Bonus:

Allow participants to submit their own “Would You Rather?” questions beforehand to personalize the activity for your team.

You Might Love: Your Complete Guide To Team Building Activities In The Workplace (20+ Activity Ideas) 

Corporate Team Building Activities for Work Small Groups

4. Lights, Camera, Teamwork 📸

This team building activity is a perfect way for small teams to unleash their creativity, showcase their comedic talents, and bond over a collaborative project.

People: 4-8 participants (works best in small groups)

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Materials:

• Open space in the office
• Improv Props (optional: hats, scarves, funny glasses) – a variety to spark creativity
• Paper and pens for scriptwriting
• Timer (optional, can use phones)
• Audience (optional: invite colleagues from other teams to watch the final skits)

How to Do It:

• Set the Stage:  Clear a space in the office where teams can comfortably perform their skits. Gather any improv props you want to include to add a touch of silliness (optional).
• Theme it Up (or Not!): Decide whether to provide a theme related to your company or industry for the skits, or allow teams to choose their own for added variety. Here are some theme ideas:
  • Themed: A Day in the Life of a [Your Company Product] / The Office Olympics: Training Montage / Customer Service Hall of Fame (Fails!)
  • Open-Ended: Workplace Antics / Office Pet Peeves / Superpower Meetings
• Brainstorm & Write:  Divide participants into teams.  Give each team 15-20 minutes to brainstorm a short comedic skit based on the chosen theme (or their own chosen theme).  Encourage them to be creative, incorporate humor relevant to their work experience, and utilize the improv props if they wish.
• Rehearse & Refine:  Allow teams some time to rehearse their skits, finalize their performances, and incorporate any last-minute touches.  Remind them to keep it short and sweet, aiming for a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Skit Slam!:  Each team performs their skit for the group (and optional audience).  Encourage laughter, applause, and team spirit.
• Voting Time:  Hold a quick vote (can be a hand raise or applause meter) to determine the funniest or most creative skit.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Creativity & Collaboration
• Communication
• Confidence

5. Design a Dream Desk 👩‍💻

A collaborative team building activity where small workgroups design their ideal workspace. This activity is a creative way for small teams to explore their ideal workspaces, brainstorm innovative ideas, and bond over a design challenge.

People: 3-6 participants (works best in small groups)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Materials:

• Magazines (with a variety of design styles)
• Scissors
• Glue sticks or tape
• Large sheets of paper (flip chart paper or construction paper)
• Markers or colored pencils (optional)

How to Do It:

• Gather Your Supplies: Set up a workspace with all the materials readily available.
• Dream Big: Briefly explain the concept: Design your ideal workspace, a.k.a. your “Dream Desk.” Encourage them to think creatively and consider functionality, aesthetics, and anything that would make their work experience more enjoyable.
• Cut & Collage: Provide participants with magazines and have them cut out images, colors, and textures that represent their dream desk elements. This could include furniture, office supplies, motivational quotes, nature scenes, or anything that inspires them.
• Build Your Dream: Distribute large sheets of paper and have each team create a collage representing their ideal workspace. They can use glue sticks, tape, and markers to arrange and personalize their dream desk design.
• Presentation Time: Allow time for each team to present their Dream Desk collage to the group. Encourage them to explain their design choices and why specific elements contribute to their ideal work environment.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Creativity & Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Understanding Preferences

🌪️ Optional Twist:

Set limitations or challenges, such as incorporating a specific theme (e.g., eco-friendly, minimalist, tech-driven) or using only a certain color palette.

🖼️ Bonus:

Display the completed Dream Desk collages in a common office area as a reminder of team creativity and a conversation starter.

6. Reverse Mentoring Lunch 🍽️

This thought-provoking activity fosters knowledge sharing, breaks down traditional hierarchies, and encourages mentorship in a unique way – with junior employees mentoring senior colleagues.

People:  Pairs consisting of one junior and one senior employee (4-6 total participants)

Duration: 1-1.5 hours (lunch time + discussion)

Materials:

• Restaurant reservation (optional)
• Lunch (provided by company or participants)
• Discussion prompts (optional)

How to Do It:

• Matchmaking Mentorship: Pair junior employees with senior colleagues from different departments or areas of expertise.
• Lunch & Learn (Reverse!): Schedule a lunch reservation (optional) or provide lunch for the participants. 

(Note: The key aspect is to have a relaxed and comfortable environment for conversation.)

• Junior Leads the Way: Encourage the junior employee to take the lead in the conversation. They can come prepared to discuss industry trends, new technologies, or fresh perspectives on work-related challenges.
• Senior Learns & Shares: The senior colleague should actively listen, ask questions, and share their own experiences and insights. This is a chance to learn from a different perspective and gain valuable knowledge from the younger generation.
• Open Discussion: The conversation can be open-ended or guided by questions or topics prepared beforehand. Here are some prompts to get you started:
  • What are the biggest challenges facing our industry currently?
  • What new tools or technologies do you think will be important in the future?
  • How can we improve communication and collaboration between different departments?

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Knowledge Sharing.
• Generational Understanding
• Mentorship in Reverse
• Fresh Perspectives

🌪️ Optional Twist:

Expand the Reverse Mentoring Lunch to a small group setting, with 2-3 junior employees mentoring a senior leader.

🍔 Bonus Tip:

After the Reverse Mentoring Lunch, have participants come together for a brief follow-up discussion to share key takeaways and learnings from their conversations.

Don’t forget to read this article: Top 17 Unique Workplace Team Building Exercises: Ready, Set & Teambuild!

Virtual Team Building Activities for Work

7. Build-a-Bot Challenge ⚙️

This engaging online activity ignites creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as participants work together to build a virtual bot.

People:  4-8 participants (works well in small groups)

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Materials:

• Online collaboration tools (whiteboard platform like Miro, Mural, or collaborative drawing software)
• Basic drawing tools
• (Optional) Playful building materials list (provided by organizer)

How to Do It:

• Set the Stage: Introduce the concept: Building a virtual bot using online collaboration tools. Briefly explain the bot’s purpose (e.g., answer customer service questions, schedule meetings, generate creative content).
• Choose Your Building Blocks (Optional): If you want to add a fun twist, provide a list of pre-defined “building block” features or functionalities the bot can have (e.g., funny voice, multilingual capabilities, dance moves).
• Brainstorm & Sketch: Divide participants into teams and provide them with access to the online collaboration tool. Grant them 15-20 minutes to brainstorm ideas and sketch out their ideal virtual bot. Encourage them to consider the bot’s functionalities, personality, and overall design.
• Build Your Bot Online: After the brainstorming session, each team presents their bot concept to the larger group on the online whiteboard platform. They can use the platform’s drawing tools to visually represent their bot’s design and functionalities.
• Bot Battle (Optional): If time allows, have a friendly “Bot Battle” where teams vote for the most creative, useful, or funniest virtual bot design.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Creativity & Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Engagement

🤖 Bonus Tip:

After the team building activity, compile a document or infographic showcasing all the creative bot designs to serve as a reminder of the team’s collaborative efforts.

8. Digital Design Dash ⌨️

This fast-paced virtual activity sparks creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork in a short timeframe.

People:  4-8 participants (works well in small groups)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Materials:

• Online design platform (Canva, Figma – free options available) or basic drawing tools
• Image search engine access

How to Do It:

• Set the Challenge: Briefly explain the concept: Design a digital asset (e.g., social media post, infographic, presentation slide) based on a specific theme revealed at the start.
• Theme Time: Provide a random theme related to your company or industry (e.g., “The Future of Work,” “Company Culture in a Nutshell”).
• Design Dash: Grant participants 20-25 minutes to use the online design platform or drawing tools to create their digital asset based on the theme. Allow them to search for images online to incorporate into their design (if using a design platform).
• Show & Tell: After the design time is up, each team presents their creation to the group, explaining their design choices and how it reflects the theme.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Encourages creative thinking and collaboration.
• Improves communication skills.
• Boosts problem-solving.

9. GIF it Up! 🎞️

This fun and engaging virtual activity ignites creativity, storytelling skills, and a touch of friendly competition.

People:  4-8 participants (works well in small groups)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Materials:

• Screen recording software (most computers have built-in options)
• Access to a platform to share GIFs (e.g., Slack channel)

How to Do It:

• Set the Stage: Create a short GIF (silent or with sound) depicting a work-related scenario using only your computer screen.
• Scenario Shuffle: Shuffle a deck of cards (physical or online) with pre-written work-related scenarios (e.g., “Your internet cuts out during a video call,” “You receive an urgent email with typos”). Each team picks a card to determine their scenario.
• GIF It Up! Grant participants 5-7 minutes to record their creative GIF using their screen recording software. Encourage them to think outside the box and have fun!
• Virtual Showcase: Each team shares their GIF creation with the group using the chosen platform. Hold a vote (thumbs up, emoji reactions) for the most creative or humorous GIF.

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Sparks creativity and storytelling 
• Encourages collaboration
• Boosts team spirit and laughter 

🎯 Bonus Tip for ALL Virtual Team Building Activities: After virtual team building activity, hold a 5-minute debrief to discuss learnings and celebrate participation. Recognize team members for their contributions! This reinforces teamwork and builds a stronger remote team culture.

Indoor Interactive Team Building Activities for Work Meetings

10. Minute to Win It: Office Edition ⏳

This fast-paced and energetic activity is to break the ice, encourage friendly competition, and bond over a series of silly office-themed challenges.

People:  Small groups (adaptable to any size)

Duration: 30-45 minutes (depending on the number of games chosen)

Materials:

• Variety of common office supplies (paper clips, cups, sticky notes, pencils, balls of yarn, etc.) – Be creative and use what you have around the office!
• Timer (can use phones)
• Prizes (optional: small candy, company swag)

How to Do It:

• Prepare the Games: There are countless variations of Minute to Win It games. You can find many online or create your own using common office supplies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
  • Stack Attack: Stack cups as high as possible in one minute.
  • Pennies for Your Thoughts: Transfer pennies from one cup to another using only a straw (hands-free) in one minute.
  • Desktop Curling: Flick paperclips across the desk to land closest to the target (cup or designated zone) in one minute.
  • Face the Cookie: Move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth using only facial expressions in one minute (no hands!).
• Set the Stage: Divide participants into teams (2-3 people per team works well). Clear a workspace and have all the materials readily available.
• Minute Mania: Each team will compete in a series of short (one-minute) challenges using only office supplies. Set the timer and let the games begin!
• Encourage Enthusiasm: Play upbeat music in the background and encourage cheering and sportsmanship between teams.
• Victorious Team: After each challenge, declare a winning team based on who completed the task or came closest to the objective within the time limit. Award points or small prizes (optional) to the winning team.
• The Grand Finale: Consider having a final challenge for all teams to compete in, with the overall winner taking home bragging rights (and a slightly larger prize, optional).

How It’s Good for Team Building:

• Icebreaker
• Communication & Collaboration
• Problem-Solving
• Fun & Competitive Spirit

🌪️ Optional Twist:

Create a custom list of Minute to Win It challenges specifically related to your company or industry for an extra layer of fun.

🎥 Bonus Tip:

Film the Minute to Win It challenges and create a compilation video to share with the entire team afterwards for some laughs!

11. “Yes, And…” Storytelling 🗣️

“Yes, And…” Storytelling is an improv team building activity that encourages collaborative storytelling and creative thinking within a team.

People: 4-15 participants.

Duration: 20-45 minutes (Flexible)

Materials: No specific materials are needed, just the power of imagination!

How to Do It:

• Briefly introduce the concept of “Yes, And…” storytelling, emphasizing the importance of building upon each other’s ideas without rejection.
• Start the Story: Begin with a single sentence to spark the story. This could be a simple prompt like “Once upon a time, in a bustling office…” or a more specific work-related theme (e.g., “The team was on a tight deadline for a crucial presentation…”)
• Take Turns Building the Story: Participants take turns adding one sentence each to the story, following the “Yes, And…” principle. Each sentence should build upon the previous one, adding details and moving the narrative forward.
• Encourage Creativity: Don’t be afraid of silly or unexpected turns! The goal is to have fun and unleash creativity as a team.
• Wrap Up: Once the story reaches a natural conclusion, or after a set time limit, have everyone share a quick reflection on the experience.

How it’s Good for Team Building:

• Creativity & Collaboration
• Communication & Listening
• Teamwork & Trust
• Laughter & Fun

⌛ Bonus Tip:

To add a playful twist, you can incorporate a timer for each person’s turn, encouraging quick thinking and adding an element of pressure to the storytelling process.

12. Silent Movie Challenge 🦸

The Silent Movie Challenge is a fun and interactive team building activity that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork through acting out scenes from movies without speaking.

People: 4-8 participants

Duration: 30-45 minutes (Flexible)

Materials:

• List of well-known movies 
• Timer (optional)
• Props (optional – costumes, hats, scarves) – Adding simple props can enhance the acting experience.

How it works:

• Teams draw movie titles (work-related for a twist!).
• With just a few minutes to plan, teams brainstorm a silent scene from their chosen movie.
• Lights, Camera, Action (Silent!): Teams act out their scene using facial expressions, body language, and props (optional).
• Other teams guess the movie title based on the performance. Points are awarded for correct guesses and creative silent acting.

Benefits:

• Boosts Creativity & Collaboration
• Enhances Communication & Problem-Solving
• Strengthens Teamwork & Trust
• Brings Laughter & Fun

Outdoor Team Building Activities for Work for Large Groups

13. GPS Treasure Hunt 🧭

The GPS Treasure Hunt is an engaging outdoor team building activity that combines technology, exploration, and problem-solving with a dash of friendly competition.

People: 20 participants or more

Duration: 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Materials:

• GPS app
• Smartphones
• Pre-designed virtual checkpoints
• Hidden clues and challenges
• The final treasure.

How to Do It:

The Hunt:

• Teams navigate using the app, solving clues and challenges (photo contests, trivia) hidden at virtual checkpoints.
• Collaboration is key to deciphering clues and progressing through the hunt.

The Payoff:

• First team to the final checkpoint wins!
• The activity fosters teamwork, problem-solving, healthy competition, and creates a fun, memorable experience.

14. Giant Board Game Tournament 🎲

A giant board game tournament is a fun and engaging outdoor team building activity that brings classic board games to life-size proportions. It’s a fantastic way to promote teamwork, friendly competition, and camaraderie within a large group.

People:  Accommodates 20+ participants 

Duration: Flexible! A typical game can last 45 minutes to an hour.

Materials:

• Large-scale game pieces (giant Jenga blocks, oversized discs, chalk for trivia boards)
• Designated playing areas
• Dice (if applicable)

How to Do It:

• Choose the Game: Select a popular board game or create a company trivia board on the ground with chalk.
• Craft Giant Pieces: Build oversized game pieces using wood, cardboard, or pool noodles (get creative!).
• Divide & Conquer: Form teams and assign playing areas.
• Let the Games Begin!: Roll the dice (if applicable) and strategize moves as a team.

(🚀 Plus Point: Laughter and friendly competition guaranteed!)

Benefits:

• Lighthearted Competition
• Teamwork & Strategy
• Laughter & Fun
• Unique Game Play

15. The Eco-Challenge ♻️

The Eco-Challenge is a fantastic outdoor team building activity for large groups that combines environmental awareness with friendly competition. Teams compete to complete these challenges in the most efficient and sustainable way possible, earning points for success and creativity.

People: Ideal for large groups! Many hands make light work, especially for planting trees or cleaning a park.

Duration: Flexible!  Volunteer activities can last from 2-4 hours, depending on the project.

Materials:  Provided by the organization (gloves, trash bags, shovels, etc.).

How to Do It:

• Choose Your Cause: Partner with an environmental organization on a project like tree planting, park clean-up, or building a nature trail.
• Get Equipped: The organization will provide necessary tools and safety instructions.
• Team Up & Make a Difference: Divide into teams and work together on the project, contributing to a positive environmental impact.
• Celebrate Your Accomplishment! Take a moment to appreciate your teamwork and the positive impact you made on the environment.

Benefits:

• Social Responsibility
• Teamwork & Accomplishment
• Team Bonding
• Meaningful Contribution

Communication Team Building Activities for Work

16. Blindfolded Build-Off 😎

The Blindfolded Build-Off is a fun and engaging team building activity for work that challenges communication and collaboration within teams. One team member builds a structure blindfolded, relying solely on their teammate’s instructions.

Perfect for: 4-6 participants

Time Commitment: 30-45 minutes

Materials:

• Building Materials (Choose easy-to-handle options):
• Lego bricks
• Building blocks
• Construction paper
• Marshmallows & toothpicks (for a sticky challenge!)
• Blindfolds (1 per team)

The Build:

• Prep & Explain: Prepare materials and blindfolds, as one teammate builds blindfolded, relying solely on verbal instructions from their partner.
• Team Up: Divide participants into small teams.
• Builder & Guide: Within each team, choose a builder (blindfolded) and a guide who provides instructions.
• Communication is Key!: The guide gives clear, step-by-step instructions while the builder listens actively and attempts to construct the structure based on these instructions.
• Time for Teamwork: Set a timer and let the building begin! The team with the most accurate or creatively built structure within the time limit wins (optional – focus can be on communication, not competition).

Communication Boost:

• Strengthens Communication & Trust
• Problem-Solving & Creativity
• Active Listening in Action

17. Telephone Pictionary ☎️

Telephone Pictionary is a team building activity that combines the classic games of Pictionary and Telephone. It’s a hilarious activity that tests communication and interpretation skills.

People: 5-10 

Duration: 15-30 minutes (Flexible)

Materials:

• Pens or pencils
• Sheets of paper (enough for each person to have 1 sheet per round)

How to do it:

• Preparation: Divide the participants into small groups. Each person should number their sheets of paper consecutively according to the number of players in their group.
• Start the Phrase: In the first round, one person in each group writes a common phrase (e.g., “cat riding a bicycle”) at the top of their first sheet.
• Draw it Out: Fold the top sheet of paper to hide the phrase, and pass it to the next person. This person looks at the phrase, then draws a picture that represents it on the back of the same sheet.
• Write it Down: Once finished drawing, the player folds the paper again to hide their drawing and passes it to the next person. This person looks at the drawing and writes a new phrase on the back of the sheet that describes what they see.
• Telephone Continues: The process continues with each person writing a phrase based on their interpretation of the previous drawing, folding the paper to hide their writing, and passing it on.
• Reveal the Transformation: Once the paper returns to the original person, everyone unfolds their sheets one by one, revealing the original phrase, the drawing, and all the subsequent phrases. Hilarity often ensues as the original phrase gets transformed through the rounds.

How it’s good for Team Building:

• Communication
• Interpretation
• Laughter

18. “Pitch, Please!” Persuasion Challenge 💭

This team building activity is designed to hone your team’s persuasion skills in a fun and competitive environment.  A head-to-head challenge where participants have to convince their teammates of an assigned idea or product.

People: 4-8 (2-4 teams)

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Materials:

• Whiteboard/Flipchart (divided into sections)
• Markers
• Timer
• Box with slips (optional – see Prep)

Prep:

Decide if you want to use random prompts (write broad categories on slips – e.g., “Food”, “Travel”) or have a set list of ideas.

How to Play:

• Form Teams: Divide participants into balanced teams.
• Idea Draw: If using prompts, each team draws a category. If using a set list, distribute them randomly.
• The Pitch: Set a timer for 3 minutes. Teams brainstorm an idea related to their category/prompt.
• Pitch Time!: Each team gets 2 minutes to pitch their idea. Encourage storytelling, humor, and strong arguments.
• Vote & Discuss: Teams (excluding themselves) vote for the most persuasive pitch. Discuss what made the winning pitch effective.

🎯 Bonus:

After 1 minute of pitching, shout out a random constraint (e.g., “must be eco-friendly,” “targeted to kids”). Teams have the remaining minute to adapt their pitch.

Benefits:

• Sharpen Persuasion
• Quick Collaboration
• Fun & Engaging

FAQ’S

1.  Are Unconventional Activities Really More Effective for Team Building?

Yes, unconventional team building activities can be even more effective than traditional methods. 

2.  How Much Time and Money Do These Activities Typically Require?

Many unconventional team building activities are budget-friendly and require minimal time commitment. For instance, Minute to Win It challenges use readily available office supplies, and the Build-a-Bot Challenge leverages free online collaboration tools. Even outdoor activities like the Eco-Challenge often involve partnering with organizations that provide necessary materials. 

Note: The key is to choose activities that align with your resources and available time.

3.  How Can I Ensure Everyone Participates and Has Fun?

There are three key approaches:

1. Focus on clear benefits
2. Cater to different personalities
3. Keep it lighthearted

4.  How Can I Measure the Success of These Activities?

There are several ways to gauge the success of your team building activities:

1. Informal feedback
2. Teamwork observation
3. Surveys

5.  How Can I Make Team Building Activities a Regular Part of My Company Culture?

Here are three strategies to integrate team building activities into your company culture:

1. Schedule regular activities (Monthly)
2. Solicit employee input
3. Rotate leadership

Conclusion

Investing in unconventional team building activities is an investment in the success of your organization. By fostering a strong, collaborative team environment, you’ll see improvements in communication, problem-solving, and overall morale.  So, get creative, have fun, and watch your team thrive!