So your startup is successful enough to start hiring some staff members. Congratulations! Now you get to learn how to be the boss of someone other than yourself. It’s definitely not an easy job, but a happy team that knows how to work together will make your life a lot easier. Here are eight ideas for team-building exercises you can try.
Bowling
It is scientifically proven that bowling is awesome and everyone loves it, which makes it the perfect team building event for any and all startups. Anyone can do it (if not well), so it’s a good fit if you have a mix of staff members who may not all be into the same things.
Recommended for: Teams with a mix of age groups or interests
Board Games
Board games aren’t just for family nights and your geeky younger brother anymore. There are a variety of great games out there that emphasize collaboration, such as Pandemic and*Bang!*, and many more that are all about tearing one another apart, like Fluxx and Love Letter. Choose wisely.
Recommended for: Geeky teams or teams bonding in miserable weather
Scavenger Hunt
If your company is outdoorsy or has an adventurous side, a staff scavenger hunt can be a fun and atypical way to build relationships and encourage teamwork. You can plan a meat-and-potatoes scavenger hunt with publicly posted clues or a list of items to find, or you could include a modern-day twist and hide your items via geocaching.
Recommended for: Adventurous teams who have a fair amount of time for team-building
Assassin
A bit like Murder but with a less grim core concept, Assassin requires each person to put their name in a hat, then draw a different name. That’s your target, and you have to spray them in the back with a water gun before you get sprayed yourself. The last person left standing is the winner. Make sure to deem the office a “safe zone” so that people don’t get too distracted from their work.
Recommended for: Teams who are comfortable getting a little silly—and a bit soaked
Trivia Night
Trivia is a great way to inspire teamwork, as everyone usually has at least one topic they know way too much about and are just waiting to show off about. Plenty of pubs and restaurants hold trivia nights on weekends, but if you’re really looking to be creative, you can plan a trivia night of your own. Try including a few questions about your business, office, or coworkers!
Recommended for: Smarty pants teams with plenty of random knowledge
Who Am I?
If you’ve seen the movie Inglorious Basterds, you know this game. Each player gets a card with the name of a famous person (fictional or real) written on it, then they stick it to their forehead and get to ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are. It’s more fun with beers and snacks, but it can just as easily be played in an office setting—you may have seen it on The Office.
Recommended for: Shy teams who need to break out of their shells
Two Truths and a Lie
Each player takes turns telling three “facts” about themselves, one of which is a lie. People then have to guess which one is secretly a fib. It can be a little overplayed, but its mix of playfulness and personal sharing make it a great fit for coworkers still getting used to one another.
Recommended for: New teams who are just getting to know each other
Bubble Ball
If we have to explain why bubble ball is awesome, you need to seriously reevaluate your life choices. You get to run around in a giant bouncy hamster ball. It is virtually impossible not to bond with someone while you are bubble balling together.
Recommended for: Active teams who need to let off some steam
After a little bonding through one of these activities, you’ll find that your team likes each other better and works better together—and that’s good for everyone.
The Rebel team has tried some pretty creative and crazy team building activities. See what we’ve done here.
Photos: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com, Gifrific, mamafabulousseo.tumblr.com, Cinema Invasion, www.bubbleball.com.tw
