10 Cooperative Team Building Games for Adults
Are you in search of some cooperative team building games for adults?
Cooperation is an essential skill in the workplace, and building a strong team dynamic is crucial for success. Group games are essential for fostering cooperation, improving communication, and creating stronger bonds among employees.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 10 cooperative team building games that are perfect for adults. These activities not only foster teamwork but also encourage creativity and critical thinking.
What Should You Consider Before Conducting These Activities?
Cooperative activities are a powerful way to enhance workplace collaboration and communication. They help create a positive environment where employees feel connected and motivated to achieve shared goals. Before planning these activities, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure their success:
Group Size
The size of the group can influence the type of activity selected. Choose games that are suitable for the number of participants to ensure everyone can actively engage.
Objectives
Define the purpose of the activity beforehand. Whether it’s improving communication or boosting morale, aligning the game with specific goals ensures its effectiveness.
Time Constraints
Consider the amount of time available for the activity. Games should fit within the schedule to avoid disruption to regular work routines.
Physical and Skill Levels
Take into account the physical abilities and skill levels of participants. This ensures inclusivity and avoids making anyone feel left out or uncomfortable.
Budget
Be mindful of the resources required for the games. Plan activities that fit within your budget while still delivering a meaningful experience.
Workplace Culture
Choose activities aligned with your organization’s values and culture. This helps make the games more relevant and resonates better with the participants.
10 Cooperative Team Building Games for Adults
Here are some team building games that improve cooperation among your employees.
#1. Escape Room Challenge
This activity challenges teams to solve puzzles to “escape” a fictional scenario, encouraging communication and problem-solving. It is engaging, collaborative, and builds a sense of accomplishment.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Clues and printed puzzles
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small teams. Next, provide them with the scenario and clues.
- Set a timer and ensure each team works collaboratively to solve all puzzles within the given time.
- Encourage creative thinking and prompt the team members to share their ideas openly to find solutions.
- For example, include riddles or a series of interconnected tasks that reveal a final “key” to escape.
Debrief
Discuss the strategies the teams used to solve the puzzles and how they communicated under pressure. Highlight how individual contributions combined into collective success.
#2. The Trust Walk
This activity involves blindfolded participants being guided by their teammates through an obstacle course to build trust and communication. It focuses on improving teamwork under limited sensory conditions.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Blindfolds and obstacles (such as chairs, cones, or string)
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Set up a simple obstacle course in an open area with clear pathways.
- Blindfold one participant per group while the others guide them verbally through the course.
- Ask the guiding teammates to provide clear directions without physical contact.
- Ensure the groups attempt creative solutions, such as assigning roles or using signals to improve navigation.
Debrief
Discuss how the teams communicated and adapted under restricted conditions. Highlight the challenges faced and how trust impacted their success.
#3. Two Truths and a Lie
This activity encourages participants to share facts about themselves and challenge others to identify the false statement. It promotes communication, trust, and lighthearted interaction.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each group member to state three statements about themselves, with two being true and one being false.
- Ensure all participants take turns presenting their statements to their group.
- Ask each group to discuss and identify which statement they believe is untrue.
- Provide examples, such as “I have visited five countries, I play the piano, and I dislike chocolate.”
Debrief
Discuss how quickly the groups identified the false statements and what reasoning they used. Highlight the importance of listening and how assumptions played a role in their decisions.
#4. Tower Building Challenge
Teams work together to build the tallest freestanding tower using limited materials within a set time. This activity encourages creativity, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
Time: You decide
Materials: 20 Straws and 1 yard of tape per group
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Distribute the materials equally to each team and explain the time limit.
- Ask each team to build a tower as tall as possible without external support using only the given materials.
- Encourage them to divide the roles such as planner, builder, and tester.
- For example, teams might assign one person to design while others focus on assembly.
Debrief
Discuss the strategies teams used to cooperate and adapt during the task. Highlight how communication and resource management impacted their success.
#5. Scavenger Hunt
This activity involves teams searching for specific items or completing tasks based on given clues to test problem-solving and teamwork skills. It encourages cooperation and quick thinking in a fun, time-limited challenge.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A list of clues or tasks, and small rewards for winning teams
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each team with a list of clues or tasks to find specific objects or complete quick challenges.
- Ask them to collaborate to interpret the clues and divide the roles for efficiency.
- For example, one person could search for items while others think through challenging puzzles.
- Set a firm time limit and determine the winner based on the number of items or tasks completed.
Debrief
Evaluate how the teams approached interpreting the clues and how they divided the roles to maximize efficiency. Discuss how teamwork, communication, or decision-making influenced their results.
#6. Human Knot
This activity involves participants standing in a circle, holding hands with others across from them, and working together to untangle themselves into a circle without breaking the chain. It focuses on problem-solving, communication, and cooperation.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 4-10 people per group
Instructions
- Ask the group members to stand in a circle and randomly grab the hands of two different people across from them.
- Ensure no one holds the hand of someone next to them.
- Challenge each group to untangle themselves as quickly as possible into a circle without letting go of their hands.
- Provide hints if the groups struggle, such as suggesting careful stepping and small movements to progress.
Debrief
Discuss how the participants communicated and strategized to solve the problem. Highlight the importance of teamwork and maintaining focus under pressure.
#7. Trivia Challenge
This activity engages participants in answering trivia questions to test their knowledge and encourage collaboration. It fosters friendly competition while promoting quick thinking and cooperation.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Prepared trivia questions, pen, and paper
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small teams and give each team a name.
- Ask each team one trivia question at a time, alternating between teams.
- Provide a time limit of 30 seconds for each question to keep the game moving.
- Award points for each correct answer and declare the team with the most points the winner.
Debrief
Discuss how the teams utilized their combined knowledge to answer questions and how they managed the time pressure. Highlight the importance of cooperation and leveraging group strengths during challenges.
#8. Desert Island
Participants will imagine they are stranded on a desert island and decide which items are essential for survival. This activity promotes teamwork and critical thinking.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: List of items, pen, and paper
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each group with a predefined list of 10-15 items.
- Ask them to discuss and agree on the five most important items for survival.
- Encourage them to justify their choices and rank the items based on perceived necessity.
- For example, they might prioritize a water filtration system over a flashlight.
Debrief
Highlight how the teams identified priorities and reached decisions under constraints. Discuss how collaboration and reasoning influenced their final choices.
#9. Charades with a Twist
Groups collaborate to act out clues together while others guess, promoting teamwork and creativity. The activity is fast-paced and encourages communication within teams.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A list of clues or phrases written on slips of paper
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each group with a clue to act out without speaking.
- Ask the participants to work together as a group to perform the clue while others guess.
- Encourage the groups to use gestures and expressions creatively to depict the clue.
- Examples of clues can include phrases like “baking a cake” or “climbing a ladder”.
Debrief
Discuss how cooperation influenced the success of acting out clues and uncover areas for improvement in group communication. Highlight how aligning strengths within the group made the activity more efficient and enjoyable.
#10. Collaborative Artwork
Participants collaborate to create a piece of artwork that represents a theme or idea. This activity encourages group creativity and teamwork.
Time: You decide
Materials: Paper, markers, and other basic art supplies
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Assign each group a theme or idea, such as “nature” or “future city.”
- Ask the group members to brainstorm together before starting their artwork.
- Encourage each person to contribute creatively using the provided materials.
- At the end, have each group briefly explain the meaning behind their artwork.
Debrief
Reflect on how the group’s ideas came together in the final artwork and discuss which approaches helped unify the creative process. Identify the ways to strengthen collaborative input for future efforts.
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Final Words
Experiential learning activities can break the ice, improve group dynamics, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. By incorporating these activities into your gatherings, you can inspire cooperation, nurture trust, and create a more connected team environment. Remember to choose games that align with your group’s interests and goals. Also, don’t be afraid to try new activities. With the right approach, these games can not only be fun and engaging, but also contribute to a more cohesive team. So, try these games at your next event and watch your team’s chemistry soar!
FAQ: Cooperative Team Building Games
You might have these questions in mind.
What are cooperative team building games?
These are activities designed to promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among group members. These games often require collaboration to achieve a common goal, fostering stronger connections within the team. They are an excellent way to break the ice, build trust, and improve group dynamics.
Why are these games important for teams?
These games improve communication and ensure every team member feels included as well as valued. By encouraging cooperation, they help break down silos and build relationships within the group. They also make team members more adaptable and aligned toward shared objectives.
How do you choose the right cooperative games for your team?
Consider your team’s size, interests, and objectives when selecting a game. Choose activities that match their energy levels and align with your goals for the session. It’s also helpful to gather input from participants to ensure everyone feels excited to join in.
Can these games be done virtually?
Yes, there are many cooperative games that work well in a virtual setting. Online games that encourage interaction, such as trivia or problem-solving challenges, can be easily adapted. Virtual activities can still foster communication and connection despite physical distance.
How frequently should teams engage in these games?
Teams should aim to engage in these games regularly, such as biweekly, monthly, or during key milestones. The frequency depends on the team’s dynamic and workload, but consistency helps maintain strong relationships. Even brief team building sessions can make a meaningful impact over time.
