TeamWRITER® is a patented, collaborative team-building game that gets groups communicating, problem-solving, and laughing together. Teams assemble the device, attach strings to the TeamWRITER “gizmo,” then work together to guide a single pen and produce legible writing or simple drawings.
WHAT IT BUILDS
- Communication & listening: groups must coordinate hand tension and verbal cues
- Problem-solving: agree on what to write, then figure out how to do it together
- Role clarity & leadership: natural roles emerge (caller, steady hands, strategist)
- Psychological safety: low-risk, high-fun activity that levels the playing field
HOW IT WORKS
- Assemble the TeamWRITER and connect the strings to the central holder.
- Choose a word, phrase, picture, or logo to write.
- Coordinate pulls and slack on the strings to steer the pen together.
- Debrief: What helped or hindered clarity, trust, and execution?
Patented design: TeamWRITER is protected under US Patent D1,037,355 S. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
WHEN TO USE
- Kickoffs and icebreakers for new or cross-functional teams
- Workshops on collaboration, communication, or Agile teamwork
- Leadership retreats and off-sites as a fast, hands-on challenge
AUDIENCE
TeamWriter is best played with 4 to 10 participants
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- TeamWRITER device (string-guided writing “gizmo”)
- 2 guide plates to hold the player ropes
- 1 stem that holds the guide plates and marker in place
- 10 light-weight ropes
- 1 Sharpie brand marker. NOTE: the marker holder is sized to hold a Sharpie(TM) brand marker. If using a different marker, you may need to wrap some duct tape around the barrel of the marker for a snug fit. You will also need to secure a large sheet of paper (flip chart paper works great) or cardboard to the ground.
- Bag to hold the game parts
- Setup and usage instructions
- Facitlitation notes containing game ideas and tips
FACILITATION TIPS
- Encourage groups to "start small" (initials, simple shapes) before attempting words or logos
- Assign roles: navigator (caller), timekeeper, and quality checker
- Run two rounds: first without strategy, second with agreed signals—then compare outcomes
FAQS
Q: What exactly do participants do?
A: Teams connect strings to the central holder and collectively steer a pen to write or draw, using coordinated pulls and clear communication.
Q: How long does the exercise take?
A: Many facilitators play the whole game in about 20-30 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the challenge, expect 5-10 minutes to ASSEMBLE the device and DRAW, and 10-25 minutes to DEBREIEF.
Q: What makes TeamWRITER different?
A: This activity requires genuine interdependence and collaboration—no one person can “win” alone—so listening becomes the only path to success.
TeamWriter® is a patented, easy-to-use, collaborative team-building game. Fit the pieces together, connect a set of strings to the TeamWriter gismo, and work as a team to write something that's actually legible. (PAT. US D1,037,355 S )
SUPER FUN CHALLENGES
Facilitators can easily adapt this game to a myriad of applications. For instance, you could have groups:
- Write the answer to topical question
- Draw an icon that represents a key learning point
- Write out a meaningful question or phrase
Once the group figures out WHAT they will write, the next challenge is HOW they will do it. Together they'll have to coordinate:
- Where is the top of the page?
- Into which holes should they connect the strings for maximum control?
- Who will be the group leader?
- How will you communicate effectively and listen to each other respectfully?
To add difficulty, facilitators can limit the time available to complete the task, limit communication to non-verbal cues only, or blindfold one more players.
SEE IT IN ACTION!
DEVELOP A BROAD RANGE OF TEAM BUILDING SKILLS
The TeamWriter exercise is excellent whether your team is forming, storming, norming or performing! Adapt the dynamic team building activity to any of these important team development goals:
- Improve team dynamics
- Solve challenging problems together
- Break the Ice
- Improve Communication
- Build Trust
- Develop strong leadership
Patent No.: US D1,037,355 S
