Team Building Games

In Houston We Have a Problem, teams of lunar astronauts address the logistics of collecting rock samples, erecting a laser beacon and planting a flag. With limited amounts of oxygen and water, cooperation between teams is the only viable solution. Will they get back to Earth safely? This 60-min simulation hammers home the importance of good relations and effective working strategies. An out-of-world experience! But how much time is wasted in competing before teams reach that "A-ha" moment?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Show and develop a range of team skills
• Appreciate the implications of executing a task poorly
• Communicate clearly
• Develop clear written and face-to-face communications
• Address issues of working under pressure
• Build cooperation between groups, or departments, at work

THE ACTIVITY

Teams of lunar astronauts address the logistics of collecting rock samples, erecting a laser beacon and planting a flag. With limited amounts of oxygen and water between teams, cooperation is the only viable solution and the sooner teams realize, and everyone gets 'on-board', the better! Just when it looks like they're on top of it all they'll need to re-group to deal with an emergency communication from Mission Control in Houston. A malfunction in the life-dependent filter needs a quick fix. With the materials available can they do it? Will it work? Will they get back to Earth?

Houston is great way to reinforce the importance of good relations and effective working strategies within teams - and also the difficult but crucially important factor of good relations between teams.

FACILITATOR'S ROLE

• Introduce the activity
• Issue Team Briefs
• After 30 minutes, issue MESSAGE FROM HOUSTON and observe the effect on team performance
• After a total of 70 minutes (from the start of the exercise) bring the filter parts together for testing (each team makes 25% of the filter)
• Lead a Debrief to discuss the learning outcomes and key lessons
• Relate the lessons to the workplace

Complete Facilitation Notes explain the exercise in more depth and provide discussion notes.

View video clip DEMO below!

PACK CONTENTS

• Trainer's Notes
• Team Briefs
• Message from Houston
• Messaging pads
• Construction card
• Scissors, rulers, tape and sticky tape
• Ball
• PDF Files of extra, optional forms (Key Points Handouts & Action Plan Forms)

PARTICIPANTS

12-24 (4 teams of 3-6 per team)

TIMING

1.5 hours

"Houston, We Have a Problem" is designed by Northgate Training Activities for face-to-face training.

It is supplied as a hard copy pack and the digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub and comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants per training session within the license-holding organization.

Jungle Escape, now a Fully Revised 30th Anniversary Edition, is a high-energy team building game that's perfect for introducing and reinforcing the concept of effective teamwork, and developing the group process skills that are needed for cohesive team performance.

An instant hit since it was first introduced thirty years ago, Jungle Escape is an experiential training game that takes new and intact teams on an imaginative adventure: having just survived a crash-landing in a remote jungle, a team of engineers must build an escape helicopter using the spare parts they were transporting.

Jungle Escape isn't just about fun and games, though. Real learning is quickly absorbed by the players as they discover and practice the critical skills surrounding the processes of team planning, problem solving, and decision making. Before they know it, they've experienced first-hand the research-proven differences between a well-functioning “Cohesive” team and a “Fragmented” or “Divergent” one.

** NOTE: The Extra Helicopter Parts kit is now sold with 6 Participant Guides

The Deluxe Game Kit contains enough materials to train 3 teams of 6 players each and you can purchase #GAJUN

If you are running the workshop with more than 3 teams, order one Extra Helicopter Kit for each additional team. Each Extra Helicopter Kit comes with 6 Participant Guides and 1 bag of Helicopter Parts, and you may choose from Standard or Inter-Team versions based on your training needs.

Kind Cards is a set of 52 cards, including two wild cards, designed to enhance your kindness skills at work. Each card outlines a unique act of kindness, along with its benefits, practical tips, suggested scripts, and thought-provoking questions. On the back of each card, you'll find reflection questions, providing a space for you to record your experiences directly on the card.

Kindness is a skill, and like any skill, it varies among individuals. Needing help with kindness doesn't imply someone is unkind; it presents an opportunity for personal growth at all levels.

For Individual Contributors: Upskilling kindness improves collaboration and goal delivery.
For Managers: Kindness is your top retention tool; upskilling enhances team commitment and performance.
For Executives and Business Owners: Set a kind tone for the business; it results in higher retention, engagement, and overall organizational performance.

COLOR-CODED FOR EASY REFERENCE

The 52-card deck has three categories of cards, plus 2 wild-cards focused on practicing self-kindness.

• Red: Personal Growth and Self-Reflection (18 cards)
• Blue: Communication and Connections (17 cards)
• Yellow: Relationship Building and Support (17 cards)

On each card, find 7 elements:

1. A prompt for a kind act
2. Guidance on how to identify kindness opportunities
3. Examples of how to act on that kindness
4. Numbered cards to help pair that act of kindness with other acts
5. Ways to incorporate the kind act going forward
6. Questions to reflect on the act of kindness, its impact, and how it felt do perform the act
7. Emoji that aligns with the theme of the kind act

FOUR QUESTIONS FOR KIND CARD GROUP ACTIVITIES

INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES

If using Kind Cards for group activities, team building, or EQ and kindness training, set out a deck of cards and ask players to select a a card that describes a...

• Kindness skill you're strong in -- and how it benefits your team
• Kindness skill you want to develop -- and how it might benefit your team
• Kindness action that could enhance team effectiveness
• Kindness act you value and hope others will extend to you
• Recent act of kindness you extended or received -- and how it made you both feel

Have participants share the card they selected and discuss why they chose it.

TEAM ASSESSENT

Alternatively, as a team, select 1-2 kindness acts, in which your team is...

• Currently really good at
• Could use some work on
• Might benefit from enhancing

USING KIND CARDS - INDIVIDUAL KINDNESS PRACTICES

Each week, simply choose a card randomly, or in order. Read the suggested act of kindness carefully. Keep the card with you as a reminder and actively look for opportunities to practice the kindness mentioned to a colleague. After performing the kind act, answer the reflection questions on the back of the card to capture the experience. If the opportunity doesn't arise, hold onto the card for the right moment or pick a new one to explore a different act of kindness.

DOZENS OF USES

• Team Building Activities
• Onboarding and Orientation
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Initiatives
• Manager Training
• Internal Communication Campaigns
• Icebreaker Activities
• Conflict Prevention & Resolution Workshops
• Daily Huddles or Check-ins
• Company-wide Kindness Contests
• Company Values
• Critical Conversations
• Virtual Team Engagement
• Leadership Development

KIND CARD DEVELOPER, JAMIE GRACEFFA, PRESENTS...

POWERPOINT DEMO

Try the facilitation techniques described here!

Each Card is 4 1/2" x 5"

Kudos for Teams, a.k.a. Kudos GOLD, lets teammates share positive thoughts with one another. If you're not on location, at the same time, leave a friendly handwritten note.. Use these clever notes liberally to boost learners' and colleagues' spirits, recognize large or small contributions, and inspire continued effort.

Kudos Note Pad Set (25 sheets/pad; 10 pads/set). Each pad is approx. 4" x 5.5".

Volume discounts available. Unit Prices shown refer to 1 pack of 10 pads.

In LEGO® Activities for Training, you’ll find each activity contains easy step-by-step instructions to set up and debrief the exercise, as well as time and materials needed. Plus, find tips to integrate the game activity into a larger training session!

These activities are suitable for experienced or novice Trainers, Facilitators, Educators, and Coaches. Those who consider themselves novices should expect to take extra minutes to think through their needs and be very clear on the PURPOSE and CONTEXT of the session.

21 ADAPTABLE EXERCISES

Each activity is designed to start conversations. For maximum effectiveness, you may need to make some adjustments to the instructions or timing. Use these notes as a guide but feel free to make changes to suit the needs of your team or conduct deeper discussions. NOTE: copy written in red italics indicates words you will speak.

LEGO® ACTIVITIES FOR TRAINING INCLUDES

The deck includes:

• FAQs
• LEGO brick suggestions
• Icebreakers and Introductions - 7 activities
• Communication Skills - 7 activities
• Team Dynamics - 7 activities

COLLECTING THE RIGHT LEGO BRICKS

The deck DOES NOT INCLUDE Lego building materials. However, LEGO bricks are readily available new (at toy stores) and used (ebay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) While you can use any LEGO bricks for these activities, you may want to consider the following:

• LEGO® Explorer Bags & LEGO® Serious Play Starter Kits: These sets work well if you want everyone in the team to have the same selection of bricks. They’re also ideal in exercises requiring players to duplicate another team’s model.
• More isn’t always better: A smaller selection of bricks can be helpful with storytelling and metaphors.
• Base plates: Extra base plates help when asking people to create a scene or move about the room to share their creations with others.
• Mini-figures and Special bricks: Pieces such as eyes, flags, and wheels etc., help create a variety of scenes. Mini Figures are useful for expressing interactions between people.
• Keepers: Allowing learners to keep their LEGO® model can help with memory and retention, as well as spreading the word about your LEGO®-based training.

7 ICEBREAKER ACTIVITIES

1. My Accessories (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions and assessing knowledge.
2. Build a Creature (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions and making links to personality.
3. My Monday Morning (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Creative introductions that link to roles.
4. Five Piece Speed Build (6 mins + 1 min PL sharing) - Quick introductions that can link to efficiency and time management.
5. Build a Tower (10 mins + 2 mins PL sharing) - Introductions that use a tower as a metaphor for experience (or anything else).
6. Surprise Surprise! (8 mins + 2 min PL sharing) - Make deeper connections through sharing.
7. My Journey so far... (8 mins + 3 mins PL sharing) - Explore how people evolved to their current roles and the experience they bring with them.

7 COMMUNICATION SKILLS ACTIVITIES

1. Build an Animal (10-30 mins) - Start a discussion about clear instructions and interpretations.
2. Build My Duck (20-30 mins) - Highlight what happens when communication is sporadic and unclear.
3. My Duck's Better Than Yours! (20-30 mins) - Explore the nuance of “great” vs. “best.”
4. The “RIGHT” Duck? (5-10 mins + Discussion) - Demonstrate the importance of clarity.
5. Making Connections (5-10 mins + Discussion) - Illustrate how more people, means more interpretations.
6. Picture This (15-30 mins) - Show how visual images are seen differently, or explore the impact of limited resources.
7. Persuasive Communications (20-30 mins) - Increase confidence in approaching others.

7 ACTIVITIES FOR TEAM DYNAMICS

1. Follow the Leader (20-30 mins) - Highlight that the role of leader in a team isn’t always what you imagine.
2. The Value of Values (30-40 mins) - How one’s values may link or clash with the team.
3. Defining Company Values (60 mins) - Allow teams to explore company values in more depth.
4. Hanging off the Edge (30-40 mins) - Get the team working together to come up with a solution to a unique challenge.
5. Sabotage (30-40 mins) - Explore how people may approach a task differently depending on their goals.
6. Ask Me! (20-30 mins) - Discover the talents of each team member.
7. Beyond the Team (30-40 mins) - Highlight the impact of additional stakeholders.

NOTE: LEGO® is not associated with this product

The Meeting Zest Thumball provides perfect questions for any meeting, which will build camaraderie, ease tension, foster development of collegial relationships and surface hot topics. On this Thumball, you'll find three types of questions - those that focus on "me," "we," and "me & we."

• Me - Share highs and lows, ah-ha moments, mood boosters, favorite activities, and more
• We - Consider workplace norms you love and hate, plus opportunities to improve meetings, communications, and processes
• Me & We - Discuss individuals roles within the organization, what's working, and what causes stress

©Trainers Warehouse 2023

Share your reaction to whatever prompt lies under your thumb. Thumball is a soft 6" stuffed ball with loads of applications!

[NOTE: Silver Series Conversation Prompts are available as Thumballs, UNZiP-IT! Pocket & Deck, and Virtual/Remote PPT.]

HOW IT WORKS

Someone throws the ball, another catches it and responds to the prompt under their thumb.

FACILITATION TIP 1

EXPLAIN....
In order to achieve greatness, sometimes teams need to take a step back and reflect on their relationships, communication, and their process of working together.

Tailor your Thumball game to meet your needs:
Option1: Have each player respond only to the prompt under their thumb, then toss the ball to another.
Option 2: After the first player has responded to their prompt, invite others to share their perspective or discuss ways they could work together more effectively.

FACILITATION TIP 2

SET GROUND RULES

Explain that conversations about team dynamics can become emotionally charged. The goal of the Team Dynamics Thumball activity is to raise important issues and have necessary conversations in a positive environment. So that everyone can feel safe, have the group set up their own Ground Rules. Here are some that you might want on the list:

• Only one person speaks at a time
• Speak only for yourself; Use I statements
• No personal attacks critique ideas, not people
• Agree to disagree; disagree without being disagreeable
• Listen - make sure everyone feels heard and validated
• Be positive and non-judgmental; open to new ideas

FACILITATION TIP 3

IF CONVERSATIONS GET STICKY
Expert facilitators suggest these techniques to ease difficult or emotional situations:

• Pause the conversation so you can review the ground rules with the group.
• Redirect negative comments; ask what can we do differently?
• Focus on changes that can positively affect the team.
• If two parties disagree, suggest that they switch roles and make the counter argument.
• Keep a flip chart of difficult topics that can be addressed later.
• Be ready to share some of your own experiences.
• Take a break. Stop for awhile and regroup.
• Thank participants for sharing their personal stories.

©Trainers Warehouse 2023

MORE RESOURCES

• All about Silver Series Thumballs
• Tips & Suggestion on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
• How Deep to Discuss
• 7 Tips to formulate great questions
• More tools for great conversations
• Discover Your Thumball Style
• How Deep to Discuss Infographic

Murder Mystery Deck v3 has been adapted for Remote use!

Use this popular 30-minute Murder Mystery game to improve communication skills, team building, problem solving, leadership, and more.

Working remotely? Send one or more clues to each participant and challenge them to find the murderer, victim, time & place of the murder, and motive in 15 minutes -- without writing anything down and using only verbal communication.

But, the true learning comes when they discuss the techniques that helped or hindered their process. Facilitation Notes included.

• Use the Murder Mystery to:
• Make discussions more productive
• Enhance problem solving skills
• Discover productive team behaviors
• Increase clarity of communications
• Improve listening and questioning skills
• Aid participation and involvement
• Increase critical thinking skills
• Increase awareness of the contributions of others

This activity can enhance classes like:

• Discussion Skills
• Facilitation Skills
• Train-the-Trainer
• Problem Solving
• Team Work
• Communication Skills
• Collaboration
• Leadership/Supervision
• Interpersonal Skills
• Empowerment Group Dynamics

This is a downloadable product. After you've placed your order, you will be given a link where you can download the compressed .zip file. You will need a program such as WinZip to extract the files for your use.

FUN INTERACTIVE ENGAGING! A TOOL FOR CREATIVITY & CONVERSATION

Piccles is a powerful, easy-to-use digital drawing tool designed to boost engagement, creativity, and collaboration in corporate training sessions. Perfect for in-person, virtual, and hybrid workshops, Piccles helps trainers facilitate interactive experiences that encourage participation, reflection, and team connection—no artistic skills required!

USE PICCLES A COLLECTIVE DRAWING EXPERIENCE FOR BRAIN-FRIENDLY TRAINING

• Break the Ice: Warm up sessions with creative, low-pressure activities that get participants thinking and sharing.
• Encourage Engagement: Replace passive learning with interactive, visual participation.
• Foster Connection: Help teams express ideas, emotions, and insights through simple drawings.
• Customize Prompts: Tailor drawing exercises to your training themes, from leadership development to DEI and team building.
• Share and Analyze: Instantly gather and display responses in real-time to spark discussions and insights.
• Engage the whole brain: Free your participants from analytical thinking, and invite more creative, divergent expression

HOW CORPORATE TRAINERS ARE USING PICCLES

Whether you’re running workshops on communication, innovation, or problem-solving, Piccles transforms training into an engaging and memorable experience. And, it's SO EASY!

1. Trainer/Facilitator sets a prompt (e.g., "Draw what success looks like to you")
2. Facilitator shares a QR code so that participants can easily access the platform
3. Participants sketch quick responses on their devices.
4. The group’s drawings are displayed together in real-time, creating a collective visual story.
5. Trainers use the images to drive discussion, reflection, and deeper learning.

Easy Setup | No Downloads Required | Works on Any Device

WATCH OUR SHOW & SHARE TO SEE IT IN ACTION

View a video explaining Piccles

The Power of Perception Leadership Activities take participants on a journey of walking in others' shoes and seeing the world from new perspectives. As the group works out challenges, wearing different-colored glasses, they quickly understand the reality of others not seeing the world through the same lenses they do... literally.

Using John Riordan's workbook and course, facilitators can help teams, leaders, and managers recognize, understand, and adjust their own perceptions and others'.

FACILITATION KIT INCLUDES…

The game includes all you need for 3 to 18 players.

• 3 Facilitation/Participant workbooks
• 6 Red Glasses
• 6 Blue Glasses
• 6 Yellow Glasses

EXTRA SET OF GLASSES INCLUDES…

• 1 set (3 pairs) of glasses  -- (one of each color: red, blue, yellow)

POWER OF PERCEPTION LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

In the workbook, find a complete course on the power of perceptions, including:

• Introduction – explaining Chris Argyris’ Ladder of Inference, exploring how the information on which we focus becomes the filter through which we lend meaning, make assumptions, and draw conclusions.
• Introductory Activity – in a series of two warm-up exercises, players must add up a series of numbers and agree on the sum of those numbers. Wearing the glasses, they will arrive at different totals, and there the negotiations (and learning) begin.
• People Perceptions Activity – In a second activity, participants are asked to evaluate potential new teammates based on a set of criteria. When asked which candidate they’re drawn to, players will realize that they’ve come to different conclusions depending on the information that’s most apparent to them. Debriefs can focus on self-perceptions, cultural norms, past experience, stereotypes, affinity bias, and more.
• Emotional Intelligence Activity – the third activity asks participants to consider a person’s feelings. Again, perceptions of the situation are colored by the glasses they’re wearing. Beyond building emotion-related vocabularies, debriefs can explore projection bias, attribution bias, cultural context, assumptions, mood congruence, and more.
• Decision-Making Activity – In the fourth and final activity, participants must agree on a sum of numbers so that they can make a joint decision. The activity explores the need to:
  • Begin with dialogue, not debate
  • Strive first for understanding, not the quickest answer
  • Differentiate constructive and destructive language when
  • Negotiating decisions when everyone isn’t in agreement
• Debrief – a series of wrap-up questions, engage the group to discuss:
  • Topics on which team members currently have different opinions or perspectives
  • Ways you can manage different perspectives going forward.

DEMO

FROM THE DEVELOPER, JOHN RIORDAN

PuzzleBlind® Team-Building Game is an immersive corporate training activity designed to strengthen communication, trust, and role clarity. In this exercise, blindfolded builders must assemble a puzzle while coaches provide verbal instructions. The challenge highlights teamwork, leadership, and the importance of clear communication—making it a favorite for leadership retreats, manager training, conflict resolution workshops, and corporate team-building events.

WHY FACILITATORS LOVE IT

• High-impact learning: Teams immediately see how poor communication creates misalignment and how clarity builds success.
• Versatile: Works as a leadership exercise, energizer, or corporate icebreaker.
• Memorable experience: Blindfolds and timed construction create an engaging challenge with lasting lessons.
• Practical debrief: Surfaces real workplace issues like unclear directions, assumptions, and role confusion.
• Role clarity: Teams shift between strategists (coaches) and executors (builders), exploring leadership styles and decision-making dynamics.
• Trust under pressure: Without sight, participants must trust instructions and each other—trust becomes both the method and the lesson.
• Adjustable difficulty: Add or remove rules (e.g., only coaches speak, all blindfolded, one question per turn) to scale challenge and insights.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This game is a useful tool to discuss the following interteam-dynamics:

• Improve communication and listening skills
• Build trust and team alignment when solving problems
• Clarify roles and responsibilities, including choosing and developing leaders
• Practice conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Increase confidence in leading and coaching others
• Listening to multiple speakers and perspectives and addressing when teammates talk over each other

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Puzzle pieces set -- Oversized puzzle have texture on one side
• Durable blindfolds for team members
• Facilitator guide with setup, instructions, and debrief prompts
• Reusable tote bag for easy storage and transport

BEST USES

• Corporate training and leadership development programs
• Team-building workshops and offsite retreats
• Conflict resolution or communication skills training
• Energizer or icebreaker at the start of a meeting
• Hybrid or remote team sessions (with creative adaptation)
• Leadership development by rotating roles and debriefing leadership behavior

FAQS

Q: What’s the ideal group size?
A: Flexible—typically 4–8 players per puzzle, but works well with parallel teams for larger groups.

Q: What skills do participants develop?
A: Teams practice communication, trust, listening, coaching, and conflict resolution—all under realistic workplace-like conditions.

Q: What materials are included?
A: Each kit comes with puzzle pieces, blindfolds, a facilitator guide, and a tote bag. All materials are durable, safe, and reusable.

Q: Who benefits most from this activity?
A: Trainers, HR teams, managers, and leaders running workshops on communication, collaboration, and team trust.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Plan for a 30+ minute activity—15 minutes to strategize and play, plus debrief time.

FACILITATING PUZZLEBLIND

Before you begin:

• Scatter the puzzle pieces on the ground with the textured side up (the other side is smooth).
• Assemble your team around the puzzle
• Let them know that some portion of their team will need to assemble the puzzle blindfolded.
• 1 RULE: Only blindfolded players can touch the puzzle pieces
• Give teams up to 10 minutes to strategize -- to choose a leader(s), decide how many players (and who) will be blindfolded, etc.
• NOTE: see below for additional facilitation choices that will increase the challenge.

Expect the game to take 30+ minutes depending on your group and the depth of your debrief.

PUZZLEBLIND AS A TEAM BUILDING GAME

When playing PuzzleBlind, facilitators can adjust the experience to focus on a range of communication and teambuilding challenges. Consider some of these options:

• One coach & many builders - See what happens when only one team member is sighted, and all the others are blindfolded. While the coach is directing one builder, what do the others do? How do they communicate with each other? Are they talking over each other? Do they wait for the leadership of the only one with vision?
• Two coaches & one builder - Explore how the two coaches interact. Are they both shouting instructions? Is one determining which pieces should fit together, and the other focused on communicating to the builder?
• Multiple coaches & multiple builders - Watch to see how they organize themselves and communicate with one another as you add more people to the challenge. Do they include everyone in the group or are just a few interacting?

Increase the difficulty by adding these rules:

• Only the coaches can speak; builders must be silent.
• All players are blindfolded... no sighted coaches.
• Each builder can ask only one question of the coach.
• Only one person can speak at a time.

PUZZLEBLIND PUZZLE PIECES

The game was designed to optimize the team building experience:

• Each of the 12 pieces are shaped so that each can be uniquely described.
• Every piece is recognizably different from every other piece.
• Foam material is extremely light weight so players can move pieces around easily.
• Giant size makes the activity suitable for groups of 2-6 adults.
• Multiple completed puzzles fit together, extending the application of the game to inter-group collaboration.
• Finished puzzle measures 4.5' x 6' / Individual pieces measure approximately 20" x 20"
• One side of the pieces has a texture, the other is smooth.
• 6 Blindfolds are included

SPACE & SET UP

Be sure you have ample space for the players and the puzzle. The completed puzzle measures approximately 6' x 4.5'.

Depending on the number of coaches and builders you choose, you might opt to keep all the puzzle pieces stacked in a pile or laid out on the ground.

ADDITIONAL FACILITATION NOTES ARE INCLUDED WITH THE GAME

COMPARISON CHART

Not sure which team-building activity is right for your group? Trainers Warehouse offers a variety of experiential learning games that build skills in communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and conflict resolution. Use the chart below to compare five of our most popular activities—PuzzleBlind®, Helium Stick®, TeamWRITER®, Shape Up!®, and Team 10®—and choose the one that best fits your training goals, group size, and workshop format.

Additional Workbooks to go with Mars Rover Challenge Deluxe Game Kit (#GAMARD)

The Mars Rover Challenge Teamwork Module gives audiences firsthand experience with the power of collaboration and allows participants to explore how their approach to accomplishing tasks affects team dynamics, productivity and results.

The Mars Rover Challenge Teamwork Module Workbook deepens participants' understanding of the content and is used both before and after the game. Organized and easy to follow, it includes participants' mission in the game, individual and group activities, and a personal development plan — plus a bonus HRDQue Card.

Order one Workbook for each participant.

Use the six Raucous Rope Team Building Games to develop group coordination, creativity, communication, planning, and leadership skills. Whether your storming, forming, norming, or performing, you'll find a perfect game to develop your teams' skills.

TEAM BUILDING ROPE GAME FEATURES

• 3 pre-cut lengths of rope to use in a variety of teambuilding exercises and activities
• Robust faciliation notes to build a variety of teaming skills:
  • Communication and Listening games
  • Leadership and team coordination games
  • Planning and process improvement games
  • Creativity and solution development games

SIX VERSATILE ROPE GAMES

• One Liners - Players must form the rope into a “perfect” shape with one line of rope and no overlapping lengths of rope.
• Group Knot - The group’s challenge is to untie all the knots without anyone letting go of the rope and without repositioning their hand on the rope.
• Photo Finish Line - Everyone in the group must cross the finish line at EXACTLY the same time. They have only 5 tries to succeed in 15 minutes.
• Jumping the River - The goal in this game is to get as many team members across the river as possible, without “getting wet.”
• ‘Round the Clock - Create a circle on the ground, have all players stand on the rope, so that the sides of their feet are touching those of the people next to them and instruct them to move to another position on the "clock"
• Moving the Box - Create the shape of a square using a long stretch of rope and place an object in the center of the square and instruct the group that their goal is to retrieve the object without anyone touching the ground inside the square.
• AND MORE - we'll email notes for an additional handful of games and exercises to build teams and debrief learning activities.

Raucous Rope Team Building Games come with a complete set of game facilitation and debrief notes and 100 feet of rope: 1 60-foot length and 2 20-foot segments offer maximum flexibility for all sorts of games.

RollaBall! is so much more than a team building activity. This multi-faceted inter-team development exercise emphasizes the need for multiple departments to work together toward a common goal. This challenge is SO fun! Each team is challenged to create one-third of a runway that will carry a ping-pong ball from the starting point to the end of the line. Each section of the runway will look different and require a different set of resources.

At first, teams won't know whether they should compete or collaborate--most assume it's a competition. At the outset, they're asked a set of multiple choice questions, which get them started in assembling the resources they'll need to build a ball slide. Over time and through a series of coordinated meetings, teams find that all they need each other in order to succeed. The dynamics of the exercise make it an excellent negotiation game, but it can also be used for communication skills training, project planning, and more.

This activity is for face-to-face classroom use. Digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub. You will receive an email within 48 hours of purchase with instructions on how to activate via the Northgate TrainerHub. You will need to supply your own hard copy contents (most of which you'll have in a work closet) and detailed below.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Practice working effectively within a team
• Uncover assumptions about competition
• Explore the advantages of collaboration with other teams
• Negotiate for limited resources
• Develop trust by sharing resources and information
• Communicate effectively
• Listening well to others

The Activity

Each team has to build one third of a runway to carry a ball from one end to the other. The three parts are:

• A tower and starting block plus the first section of the runway
• A longer piece of runway to include two curves
• An uphill section with a basket for the finish

Teams answer a set of multiple choice question to get the resources they need. Teams could share the answers with other teams but usually fail to do so. Nonetheless, each team will need to borrow resources from other groups or the complete structure will not be built. So why not share answers?

Once they have their resources, teams can begin building their runway parts - there is a meeting area where teams can discuss how the separate sections can fit together. The activity stresses the point that different departments need to work harmoniously together for success. What this means is sharing information readily and establishing good communications. Different parts of an organization are not rivals, they need to collaborate for success.

PARTICIPANTS

• 9-21 (three teams of 3-7 per team)

TIMING

• 1 hour + debrief

LEARN MORE

Trainer's Role

• Introduce the activity.
• Divide the group into three teams.
• Set up a neutral area for inter-team meetings.
• Issue Briefing Sheets and construction materials when teams answer multiple choice questions correctly.
• Observe the teams in action, noting behaviours. Often teams begin by trying to compete and by withholding information, whereas the whole point is to share information freely and work as one big team.
• Bring teams together and test the completed structure.
• Issue review forms and conduct a Debrief, rounding off with Action Plans for performance improvement.

Pack Contents

• Trainer's Notes
• Team Briefs A, B & C
• 20 Questions Forms
• Team Review Form

You will need to supply your own hard copy contents (most of which you'll have in a work closet) which include:

• 50 sheets of 8.5"x11" paper
• 3 Ping Pong Balls
• 3 rolls of Sticky-Tape
• 3 Pair of Scissors
• 3 Rulers
• Bag of Paperclips (approx. 90)
• Rubber Bands (approx. 100)

In this interactive session, we'll explore why building relationships is difficult for adults, discuss the different types of relationships you might want to build and then identify some concrete ways to do it - by asking the right questions, setting ground rules when needed, and having meaningful conversations! Topics covered include the dreaded icebreaker; defining relationship goals; the interdependence of communication, relationships, and trust; the need to ask questions and the "right" types of questions to ask; and the importance of making yourself vulnerable. Attendees will come away with fresh thinking and concrete tools to help them foster communication and relationships with their teams and colleagues.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Enhance facilitation techniques for breaking the ice
2. Develop skills to foster communication
3. Improve ability to ask probing questions
4. Understand the dynamics of building trust and strengthening relationships
5. Better navigate difficult conversations
6. Explore the Pillar of Trust, the power of Vulnerability, and the Certainty/Curiosity Continuum

WHAT TO EXPECT

We practice what we preach! Expect a session that is:

• CUSTOMIZED: Each session is tailored to the needs of the group
• INTERACTIVE- engaging, participator, brain friendly, and active
• ONLINE: Sessions are delivered online (unless in the Boston area)
• PLATFORM: Sessions are typically delivered on Zoom
• TIME: 45-minutes (give or take). If you need a 30- or 60-minute session, we will adapt to your needs

To learn more or schedule a session, click here: https://calendly.com/susan-trainerswarehouse/30min

Synergy Stack is a deck of "Habit Cards"

The deck contains 48 "Habit cards," that help colleagues build synergy, communication, and understanding through improved Connections, Clarity, Curiosity, and Commitment. Use this thoughtful deck to help teams in their "Getting to Yes" efforts. Build strength in communication and negotiation skills. Develop alignment between individuals, teams, and departments by fortifying this critical set of skills and habits.

4 COLOR-CODED CATEGORIES TO BUILD SYNERGY

• CONNECTION: Get to know one another as human beings. The 12 GREEN cards focus groups on topics such as showing empathy, getting to know peers beyond the workplace, being real, giving credit where it's due.
• CLARITY: Develop a shared understanding of success. The 12 TEAL cards home in one on building shared understanding about goals, expectations, and priorities.
• CURIOSITY: Show genuine interest in other perspectives and possibilities. 12 ORANGE cards seek to explore others interests and perspectives through inquiry, idea sharing, challenging assumptions, openness to new thinking.
• COMMITMENT: Coming to clear commitment. 12 BLUE cards help get teams to the finish line by helping teams stay on track, honor deadlines and confidentiality, accepting accountability, and sparking action.

KEY ELEMENTS OF SYNERGY STACK CARDS

1. Title: The name of the HABIT (12 habits for each of the 4 Cs).
2. Color and icon- associated with one of the 4 Cs.
3. Description of the Habit – definition of the habit explains what the habit looks like when used effectively.
4. Question – example phrase showing how one might further explore or discuss the habit.

SO MANY USES

This thoughtfully curated collection of tools, games, and activities is designed to amplify team collaboration, foster innovation, and spark meaningful conversations among leaders at every level. The Synergy Stack deck is perfect for workshops, team retreats, or leadership development programs, such as:

• Dynamic Team-Building Exercises: Engage participants with activities that build trust, improve communication, and encourage problem-solving in real time.
• Powerful Discussion Prompts: Dive deep into leadership challenges using expertly crafted questions and scenarios.
• Adaptable Frameworks: Tailor activities to any group size or leadership style with flexible resources that meet your training objectives.
• Plus...
  • Team building
  • Strategic planning
  • Problem-solving
  • Project kick-offs
  • Post-project reviews
  • Company offsites
  • Conferences
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Conflict resolution and Negotiation Training
  • Communication training

READY-TO-GO LEARNING EXPERIENCES & GAME IDEAS

SynergyStack includes access to an online hub that's chock full of facilitation and teaching notes, multimedia content, deeper explanations of the 4-Cs approach, and 13 games that you can tailor to the needs of your groups.

• 3 general "icebreaker" exercises that use all the cards in the deck
• 4 exercises that use just the 12 cards of the associated "C"
• 1 Teambuilding exercise
• 3 one-on-one activities (build self-confidence, coach through a conflict, career development)
• 2 personal development activities

LEARN MORE

Read a synopsis here.

Listen to a recording.

FA

FAQs

Q: What is Synergy Stack?
A: Synergy Stack is a deck of 48 “Habit Cards” designed to strengthen team communication, collaboration, and negotiation. The cards help teams build practical habits across four areas: Connection, Clarity, Curiosity, and Commitment.

Q: How do teams use Synergy Stack in training or workshops?
A: Facilitators use the cards as conversation starters, reflection prompts, and activity guides during team-building sessions, leadership development workshops, project kickoffs, and retrospectives. The deck supports both group discussion and one-on-one coaching.

Q: What are the four categories in Synergy Stack?
A: The deck is organized into four color-coded categories:

• Connection (green): building empathy and human connection

• Clarity (teal): aligning on goals, expectations, and priorities

• Curiosity (orange): exploring perspectives and challenging assumptions

• Commitment (blue): accountability, follow-through, and action

Q: What’s included on each Habit Card?
A: Each card includes the habit name, a brief description of what the habit looks like in practice, and a sample question or prompt facilitators can use to spark discussion or reflection.

Q: What kinds of programs is Synergy Stack best for?
A: Synergy Stack works well for team building, leadership development, strategic planning, communication training, negotiation training, conflict resolution, project kickoffs, post-project reviews, offsites, and coaching or mentoring sessions.

Q: Is Synergy Stack suitable for different group sizes?
A: Yes. The cards can be used with small groups, full teams, or in one-on-one coaching. Activities can be adapted for workshops, retreats, classrooms, and conference sessions.

Q: Are ready-to-use activities included?
A: Yes. Synergy Stack includes access to an online hub with facilitation notes, deeper explanations of the 4Cs framework, multimedia resources, and 13 ready-to-run games and exercises that can be tailored to different learning goals.

Q: What skills does Synergy Stack help develop?
A: The cards help build practical habits for communication, collaboration, alignment, curiosity, accountability, problem-solving, and negotiation—skills that support high-performing teams and effective leadership.

Success Through Teamwork Lapel Pins -- 10 PINS IN ONE SET

Ramp up team spirit with this one-of-a-kind lapel pin. Give one to each a "winning" team or one to everyone in your group, to inspire team collaboration and success.

Pins are enamel on metal and measure about 1" in diameter.

A great giveaway for all who contributed to a GREAT TEAM EFFORT!

Working together for a common purpose can take a lot out of everyone, as each individual sets aside their personal needs for a collective goal. When it's all over -- whether it's a new project launched or a sales target reached -- it's time to celebrate and let the team members know their efforts really mattered.

Each token is inscribed with "T.E.A.M. POWER" on one side; the reverse says "Together Everyone Achieves More."

Tokens measure 1" diameter.

Solid medium-weight metal feels great in your hand!

Sold in sets of 10 tokens. NOTE: quantity discounts shown above refer to a unit (bag of 10 tokens).

Team Development Thumball® Set (with Free Mesh Bag) is a ready-to-run bundle of soft, tossable conversation balls loaded with prompts that build trust, communication, and collaboration in corporate retreats, business workshops, or workplace training. Facilitate icebreakers, coaching conversations, and debriefs by simply tossing, catching, and answering the prompt under your thumb—no prep, no slides, just real dialogue that strengthens teams. The stitched panels and durable stuffed vinyl are designed for heavy use.

HOW IT HELPS TEAMS

• Fast engagement: the toss-catch mechanic reduces anxiety and gets everyone talking
• Better communication: printed prompts spark stories, perspectives, and active listening
• Psychological safety: low-risk questions build comfort before tackling tougher topics
• Scalable & flexible: works for stand-ups, workshops, off-sites, classrooms, and retreats
• Zero tech, high impact: portable tools that facilitate face-to-face conversation
• Enhances emotional intelligence, listening, and conflict resolution.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Curated Team Development Thumball® set (multiple conversation balls with printed prompts)
• Free mesh carry bag for storage and quick transport
• Quick-start facilitation tips (toss–catch–answer, pass option, timeboxing, debrief ideas)

The Team Development Thumball Set puts almost 200 content-rich discussion prompts at your fingertips. Whether your team knows each other well, or are just forming new bonds, you're sure to find topics that will build appreciation and understanding. Each ball is easy to use! Just toss one of the 6 balls, then ask the recipient to look under their thumb and respond to the prompt. With this playful tool, your group will be able to explore:

• What makes your colleagues feel HAPPY?
• How do your TEAM DYNAMICS enable or inhibit success?
• Are you sensitive to Issues of DIVERSITY and INCLUSION?
• Is your team in sync when it comes to values and ETHICS?
• What's causing STRESS and how can it be managed?
• How you can promote positive LEADERSHIP?

The Team Development Thumball Set is conveniently packaged in a large mesh bag, which allows you to carry them around comfortably and stay organized.

Each Silver Series Thumball™ (6" stuffed vinyl ball) looks like a cool soccer ball but is pre-printed with 32 questions/discussion prompts that have been vetted by subject matter experts. They are suited for adults and teens alike! Following are more details about each of the popular Silver Series Thumballs in the Team Development set:

• The Get Happy at Work Thumball prompts help create a more positive workplace by allowing colleagues to share goals, discuss challenges, and build relationships. Focusing on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Meaning, Accomplishments, and Relationships, the prompts help surface sources of happiness as they draw out individuals' personal qualities, work challenges, professional goals, and organizational dynamics. By putting a positive spin on important discussion topics, the Get Happy at Work Thumball helps promote optimism, identify areas for organizational improvement and build a happier workplace.
• The Team Dynamics Thumball enables conversations that promote team spirit and boost flagging energy. Teams are everywhere – at work, at home, at school, on and off playing fields. From board rooms to church basements, we're thrown together with people we may or may not know well, and are challenged to achieve great results. Is your team performing to the max? How do you support each other? How do you develop consensus and manage disagreements? Team Dynamics Thumball is a playful way to raise these critical questions so that your teams can reach their full potential.
• The Be a Leader Thumball gets the conversation going about what skills great leaders possess, and guides players through a bit of introspection as they consider their own leadership strengths or opportunities for improvement.
• The Diversity Thumball is a fun training tool that tackles a difficult topic with smarts and sensitivity. We live in a diverse world. Some differences are visible, like skin color, gender, height or weight, physical challenges and age. Others may not be visually apparent, but still affect how individuals feel or are treated: ethnicity, socio-economic position, sexual orientation, use or non-use of alcohol, allergies, intellect, depression and other emotional diseases.
• The Workplace Ethics Thumball raises questions and fosters discussion about individual and organizational norms and ideals, regarding making and breaking rules, fostering ethical leadership, whistle blowing, bending the truth, and more. It helps in having rich conversations about the types of people you look to as a moral compass; how you'd handle different situations; what integrity, rules, ethics, and fairness mean to you; and how your organization or team handles ethical issues. How do you distinguish right from wrong? Is your idea of ethical obligations and responsibilities the same as your colleagues, friends and family?
• The Stress Management Thumball helps you explore the causes of stress and the various ways you might manage its impact. Teams can discuss what affects their stress level, how they can help each other out, how they can better manage their own approach to stress, and more.

Note: Specific Thumball® titles in the set may vary; each ball is focused on teamwork, leadership, and communication themes.

WHEN TO USE

• Kickoffs & new team formation
• Manager training & leadership development
• Retrospectives & after-action reviews
• Onboarding, cross-functional meetups, and offsites
• Icebreakers, energizers, and closing reflections

HOW TO FACILITATE

1. Invite a volunteer to start; toss the Thumball® across the room.
2. When caught, the player reads the panel under their thumb and shares a brief response.
3. Toss to another person and repeat. Offer a “pass” option to keep psychological safety high.
4. Debrief: capture patterns, insights, and next steps for the team.

FAQS

Q: What makes Thumball® different from typical icebreakers?
A: Prompts are printed on the ball, so no prep is needed. The playful toss reduces pressure, encourages participation, and keeps energy high.

Q: How many people can play?
A: Ideal for groups of 6–25. For larger groups, use multiple balls or run parallel circles.

Q: How long does a round take?
A: 5–15 minutes for a quick opener; 20–40 minutes for deeper discussion and debrief. It's good to model what sort of answers you're looking for. If an answer isn't thorough, feel free to say, "tell me more..."

Q: Who is this for?
A: Team leaders, facilitators, trainers, educators, and coaches who want a quick, effective way to strengthen team dynamics.

Q: How do I care for the balls and bag?
A: Wipe clean with a soft cloth. Store dry in the mesh bag to keep everything together between sessions.

©Trainers Warehouse – Trainers Warehouse holds the copyright for this set of questions. Reproductions cannot be made without express approval.

MORE RESOURCES

• All about Silver Series Thumballs
• Tips & Suggestion on Facilitating Thumball Experiences
• How Deep to Discuss
• 7 Tips to formulate great questions
• More tools for great conversations
• Discover Your Thumball Style
• How Deep to Discuss Infographic

Help teams learn how to surface, diagnose, and work through the issues that impede effective teamwork.

For more than 15 years, the Team Effectiveness Profile (TEP) has helped teams eliminate or reduce blockages in the 5 vital areas of team activity:

1. Mission, Vision, and Goals
2. Team Roles
3. Operating Processes
4. Interpersonal Relationships
5. Interteam Relationships

Learning Outcomes

• Identify issues that block effectiveness
• Reduce or eliminate problems that can drain a group's energy
• Maximize the group's productive efforts

Theory

The Team Effectiveness Profile focuses on the 5 Categories of Team Effectiveness. The first 4 of these categories are based on those presented by Richard Beckhard in Organization Development: Strategies and Models (1969). Interteam relationship theory is the basis for the fifth category.

How It Works

The TEP has been designed to function as a self-administered learning instrument. The TEP yields an overall Team Effectiveness Score as well as separate scores for each of the 5 areas indicating the general health of the group and blockages that hinder team effectiveness.

Uses for the TEP

Appropriate for any type of team and all levels of team members and leaders, the TEP can be used as a stand-alone instrument or as a component in a larger team-building program. The TEP can be used to:

• Measure pre-team building conditions
• Orient new teams to potential problems
• Unblock struggling teams
• Determine post- team-building results

We recommend administering the TEP periodically, as issues will change over a period a time.

What to Order/Product Contents

Order one Facilitator Set (#RBWTEF) per trainer and one Participant Guide (product code #RBWTEP, sold separately) per participant.

Facilitator Guide includes:

• Administrative guidelines
• Team development theory
• Experiential learning methodology
• Normative and reliability data
• Sample copy of the Participant Guide
• 2-hour workshop
• 6 optional activities
• 2 alternative training designs
• Overhead transparency masters
• Reproducible participant handouts
• Reproducible article Building a Winning Team
• CD-ROM containing all reproducible materials, certificate of achievement, training evaluation, PowerPoint presentation
• Convenient binder format

Participant Guide includes:

• 50-item profile
• Pressure-sensitive scoring form
• Interpretive information
• Descriptions of the 5 team effectiveness areas
• Discussion guide
• Action planning

The TEP is a HRDQ publication produced by Christine Glaser, Rollin Glaser, and the HRDQ Development Team.

Analyzing and Improving Team Performance Just Got Easier-and More Affordable!

Quickly find out how your teams are performing with the Team Essentials Survey. It’s simple, affordable, and easily accessible. The assessment draws on the deep knowledge of Corporate Learning Institute’s Dr. Tim Buividas, and has been proven to be reliable and valid (see report).

FEATURES

• Snapshot views: see how your team performs in 6 success factors.
• Easy administration of assessment: Create an account and start launching your assessment right away. The Corporate Learning Institute is available to for support, as needed.
• Ready-to-Share Results: Clear, concise score are easy to read, and sharable instantly with others.
• Customizable: Customize your team assessment to include all 6 Team Essentials Success Factors, or just the few you want to focus on.
• Short Completion Time: It takes 10-25 mins to take the online assessment. Your exact time depends on the number of success factors you evaluate. Each trait has 3-6 subcategories and 4 questions.

6 FACTORS OF TEAM SUCCESS

Understand your strengths and weaknesses, AS A TEAM. Assess your team on 1 to 7 traits:

1. Support
2. Output
3. Effectiveness
4. Leadership
5. Individual Contributions
6. Infrastructure

TEAM ASSESSMENT REPORT PRESENTS ACTIONABLE RESULTS

• Color-coded, easy-to-read report: Includes a comprehensive 57-page Team Essentials Team Report. Each report is customized to the unique needs of your team.
• See where your team stands on each trait:
  • Blue – indicates your team’s overall score
  • Purple – shows norms of well-performing teams
  • Red – displays your opportunities for improvement
• Develop Unity – You’ll quickly see if there are areas where everyone ranks low or high, indicating group needs for growth or development
• Honor Diversity – understand where your team diverges in their approach or thinking. These indicate opportunities to discuss and bridge differences.
• Define Next Steps – develop an action plan to incorporate learning and continue to grow

INCLUDES ALL YOU NEED

• Facilitation Guide will help you conduct the assessment:
  • Administer test
  • Review results
  • Online tool to manage the team assessment
• Send pre- and post- emails, reminders, and results to team members
• Link to Assessments
• 57-page Team Assessment Report – after all team members have completed the assessment, youll receive a comprehensive, actionable report
• 1 hour Coaching/consulting support – call Corporate Learning Institute for 1 hour of support to help you get started or answer questions as you go.

The Expedition Online is a teamwork and planning activity supplied digitally, for use in virtual or face-to-face training sessions.

THE ACTIVITY

Their mission is to travel to a location deep in the desert to collect a vitally important letter (that could mean the difference between life and death). They have a map, a vehicle to travel in and a coded message that will reveal the location - but little else. What data do they need in order to plan the expedition? They must formulate eight carefully constructed questions in order to get that critical information.

Now they can start planning in earnest. They’ll see there are three possible routes – all need investigating. Who does what? Do they demonstrate attention to detail? Are they conscious of time?

They must also choose four people to go on the expedition itself. What attributes are they looking for? They can select members of their own team or candidates whose details are supplied in the Team Brief – or a mixture of both.

Their vehicle is subject to strict weight restrictions, 900 Kg max, so fuel, water, food, first aid, tools etc must be carefully chosen for each stage of the journey. Emergency supplies MUST be carried; other items are optional - but all have weight implications. Teams use Checklists to plan the packing of the vehicle and ascertain total weights. Get it badly wrong – and the expedition fails!

If all safety precautions are adhered to, of the three possible routes, only one is realistic. Will teams realise this or will they take unjustifiable risks to get back to base ahead of their competitors?

TRAINER'S ROLE

1. Briefly introduce the session, divide the group into teams and issues team briefs, a map of the Gozo Desert and a Data Request Form.
2. Teams have 15 minutes to brainstorm eight questions that will give them the data they need to plan the expedition. They note these on the Data Request Form.
3. After 15 minutes collect the Data Request Forms and hold them until the Debrief (for analysis/discussion).
4. Whatever data was requested, issue each team with a Critical Information Sheet. This gives teams all the information they need to plan their expedition.
5. Observe teams in action. Make notes on their teamwork, delegation, leadership, planning skills and time management.
6. After 90 minutes call a halt. After a break issue copies of the Team Review Sheet for teams to work through.
7. Ask each team EITHER to give brief feedback on how they worked together and what their final decision was, OR, if time allows, ask teams to prepare a more substantial presentation.
8. Lead a general debrief on the activity – there are lots of issues. Summarise the key lessons learned. Relate these to the workplace and how improvements might be made in real life.

Full instructions, discussion notes and learning points in the Trainer’s Notes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• how, as a team, to address the overall planning process
• to ask the right questions early on, to identify key issues
• the importance of accuracy and attention to detail
• basic logistics
• to select the best personnel for the job
• to evaluate different options

CONTENTS

• Trainer’s Guide (supplied as a PDF)
• Team Brief (supplied as a PDF)
• Gozo Desert Map (supplied as a PDF)
• Handout: Critical Information (supplied as a PDF)
• Handout: Team Review Form (supplied as a PDF)
• Checklist (supplied as a PDF)
• Data Request Form (supplied as a PDF)

This Northgate training activity is delivered through an online portal and comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants per training session within the license-holding organization.

The Expedition is designed by Northgate Training Activities.

This is a downloadable product. You will receive emailed instructions on how to download the software. It may take 1-3 days to receive this email, depending on the day of the week that the order is placed.

ZIN OBELISK GAME

This challenging mathematical puzzle is made even more complex, by using made-up words in the fictitious, ancient city of Atlantis, where a solid, rectangular obelisk -called a zin - was built in honor of the goddess Tina. The structure took less than two weeks to complete and the group's task is to determine the day of the week on which the obelisk was completed.

To play, each participant receives 1-5 clues, which can only be shared verbally. Together, teams must figure out the day the Obelisk was completed. Success requires organization, leadership, coordination, listening, problem solving, and processing skills. Most groups require 15-25 minutes to arrive at a solution.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Have clearly defined goals
• Collaborate! Work together
• Share the leadership
• Share knowledge-on complex tasks, one person rarely has all the answers
• Listen to each other
• Clearly articulate ideas
• Manage ambiguity through discussion
• Make sure everyone has a common understanding of terminology

USES FOR Zin Obelisk - Use this mathematical team challenge to:

• Make discussions more productive
• Enhance problem solving skills
• Increase clarity of communications
• Discover productive team behaviors
• Foster participation and involvement
• Improve awareness of others
• Improve listening skills and questioning techniques

Enhance a variety of training and development initiatives:

• Communication and Listening Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Team Building
• Leadership Development
• Cooperation
• EQ & El Skills

TIME: 30-60 mins for Introduction, Gama Play, Debrief, and Closure.

PARTICIPANTS: 5-8 players per team; multiple teams can play against each other.

Working remotely? Email a few clues to each player and try to sort it out over the phone--maybe with a shared online whiteboard! After all clear phone communication is more important now than ever!

** TIPS **

Feel free to adapt the full facilitation notes included as a booklet in the card deck to the needs of your group and your material:

• Display the instructions on an overhead, flip chart, or whiteboard. Or, give a printed copy to each team.
• Keep notes during the exercise so you can refer to them during the debrief.
• If the group did not discuss their process during the activity, share a handout explaining the definitions and differences between Task-Related and Process-Related discussions.
• Record "learning points" on a flip-chart for follow-up and future reference.

This product is delivered electronically