Are you in search of some games to improve interpersonal skills?
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for team success, fostering collaboration, communication, and trust. Incorporating games into the workplace is a fun and effective way to enhance these skills.
In this article, let’s see 10 engaging games that can help teams improve their interpersonal skills. They can help your employees develop empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and more.
What Should You Consider Before Conducting These Activities?
Interpersonal skill-building activities can be a valuable tool for developing stronger team dynamics. Before conducting these activities, it’s essential to prepare thoughtfully to maximize their effectiveness. So, consider these factors to achieve meaningful results.
Define Objectives
Begin by identifying the purpose of the activity. Knowing whether the focus is on communication, trust, or conflict resolution will guide the design and delivery.
Understand Team Dynamics
Consider the personalities and relationships within the group. Tailoring activities to the team’s needs ensures inclusivity and prevents discomfort.
Select Activities Carefully
Choose games that match the team’s skill level and preferences. The right activity should challenge participants without overwhelming them.
Allocate Time Strategically
Ensure there’s adequate time in your schedule to complete the activity without rushing. A well-paced session allows for proper reflection and discussion.
Foster a Safe Environment
Create an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable participating. Building trust is foundational for these exercises to succeed.
Follow Up with Discussions
After the activity, encourage open conversations about takeaways. Reflection solidifies lessons learned and links the experience to real-world teamwork.
10 Games to Improve Interpersonal Skills for Teams
Here are some team building games to help improve interpersonal skills and strengthen relationships among your employees.
#1. Two Truths and a Lie
This activity helps team members get to know each other better by sharing personal facts and identifying falsehoods. It encourages creativity, active listening, and builds trust.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team member to share three statements about themselves—two that are true and one that is a lie.
- Encourage others to guess which statement is the lie.
- Provide examples such as, “I’ve been skydiving,” “I own a pet turtle,” or “I’ve visited 10 countries.”
- Rotate so everyone has a turn sharing and guessing.
Debrief
Discuss how assumptions and listening influenced the guesses. Reflect on how the activity helps uncover shared interests and builds team connections.
#2. Desert Island Scenario
This activity encourages participants to simulate a survival scenario, fostering collaboration and decision-making. Groups work together to prioritize essential items they would need if stranded on a desert island.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A list of 15-20 survival items
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each group with a list of survival items, such as a compass, matches, a blanket, or a fishing net.
- Ask them to rank the items in order of importance for survival, reaching a group consensus.
- Allow them 10 minutes to discuss and finalize their decisions.
- Once time is up, have each group present their top five items and explain their choices.
Debrief
Discuss how the group’s decision-making process worked and what influenced their top priorities. Reflect on how collaboration and communication helped achieve a consensus.
#3. Cross the Line
This activity builds trust and encourages self-reflection by exploring participants’ values as well as experiences. It involves individuals stepping forward in response to specific statements.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A clear space with a visible line or marking
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Draw a visible line on the floor or use tape to mark it.
- Ask team members to stand on one side of the line.
- Read out statements like, “Step forward if you’ve ever overcome a significant challenge” or “Step forward if you value teamwork.”
- Allow participants time to observe who steps forward, then have them return to the starting position after each statement.
Debrief
Discuss patterns noticed during the activity and how they relate to the group’s diversity. Highlight how shared experiences or differences were revealed to foster understanding.
#4. Blindfold Obstacle Course
This activity helps teams build trust and improve communication by navigating an obstacle course while blindfolded. It encourages collaboration and highlights problem-solving skills.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Blindfolds, and objects to create an obstacle course (e.g., cones, chairs, or boxes)
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Set up an obstacle course with clear paths using objects.
- Blindfold one team member while others provide verbal instructions to guide them through the course.
- Ask guiding teammates to give specific, concise directions, such as “Take two steps forward” or “Turn right slightly.”
- Rotate roles so each participant experiences being blindfolded and providing guidance.
Debrief
Have participants reflect on the challenges of giving and receiving instructions. Discuss how trust and clarity impacted the team’s success during the activity.
#5. Role Reversal
This activity encourages participants to practice empathy by switching roles and stepping into others’ perspectives. It focuses on improving communication and fostering mutual understanding.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Assign roles to group members, such as leader and follower. Next, provide a task like drawing a simple shape or organizing objects.
- Ask the participant in the leader role to give directions clearly while the follower executes the task.
- Rotate roles after completing the task so all participants experience both perspectives.
- Encourage leaders to use specific phrasing, such as “Draw a circle in the center of the page” or “Place the red object next to the blue one.”
Debrief
Discuss how switching roles helped participants understand the challenges faced in each role. Reflect on the importance of precise communication and adaptability for team success.
#6. Pictionary
Pictionary is a fun activity that focuses on enhancing teamwork and non-verbal communication. Teams work together to guess a word or phrase based on drawings made by one of their members.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, markers, and a list of words or phrases
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide participants into teams, and provide each team with materials.
- Give a list of words or phrases to each team while ensuring only one member sees them at a time.
- Ask the chosen member from each team to draw clues for their assigned word while others guess without verbal communication.
- Use simple words such as “tree” or “bike” for easier rounds, and phrases like “time flies” for more complexity as the activity progresses.
Debrief
Discuss how non-verbal cues impacted communication and what strategies worked best. Reflect on how participants adapted to challenges during the activity.
#7. Building Tower Challenge
This activity challenges teams to build the tallest free-standing tower using limited resources, promoting teamwork and problem-solving. The structure must be stable and constructed within the time frame.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Spaghetti, marshmallows, tape, and string
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each group with the same set of materials and explain the goal to build the tallest tower.
- Encourage participants to brainstorm and assign roles before starting.
- Set a timer and allow teams to begin constructing their towers.
- Measure the towers after time is up, and declare the team with the tallest tower as the winner.
Debrief
Evaluate how each team planned and collaborated under time constraints. Discuss what strategies led to success and how challenges were addressed.
#8. Active Listening Exercise
This activity enhances participants’ ability to listen, understand, and respond effectively through an engaging group challenge. Teams engage in collaborative exercises designed to strengthen active listening within a time limit.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Short story excerpts or scripted dialogues
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Provide each team with a short story or dialogue. Next, assign specific roles such as speaker, summarizer, and questioner.
- Ask the speaker to read the material aloud while others listen attentively and take notes.
- Have the summarizer explain the core ideas, and the questioner probe deeper with relevant questions.
- Rotate roles within the team to ensure all participants practice listening and interpretation.
Debrief
Discuss how well participants understood and conveyed the material. Reflect on which listening techniques were effective or could be improved based on group feedback.
#9. Feedback Circle
This activity focuses on providing structured feedback within a group to foster growth and build trust. Participants actively share insights while reflecting on their peers’ strengths and areas for improvement.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each team to sit in a circle and designate a timekeeper.
- Each participant takes turns giving one strength-focused comment and one constructive suggestion to the person on their right.
- Encourage participants to give specific examples for both positive feedback and suggested areas for growth.
- Ensure everyone listens attentively without interrupting or debating feedback.
Debrief
Reflect on whether feedback was specific and actionable. Discuss how participants felt while giving and receiving feedback.
#10. Storytelling Relay
Participants create a collaborative story one sentence at a time, building on each other’s contributions. This activity fosters creativity, teamwork, and quick thinking.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Begin by giving the starting sentence of a story, such as “Once upon a time, there was a hidden forest filled with magical creatures.”.
- Ask one group member to continue the story with one sentence, keeping it relevant to the previous contribution.
- Continue around the group until the story reaches a natural ending or time runs out.
- Encourage creativity, ensuring each sentence adds a new detail or twist to keep the story engaging.
Debrief
Discuss how collaborative storytelling influenced creative thinking and team dynamics. Reflect on the flow of ideas and how participants adapted to each other’s contributions.
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Final Words
These games not only improve interpersonal skills but also create a fun and relaxed environment where team members can connect on a personal level. By incorporating such activities into regular team building efforts, groups can develop stronger bonds, improve communication, and create a more harmonious workplace. Focus on selecting games suited to your team’s needs and enjoy watching interpersonal skills thrive!
FAQ: Games to Improve Interpersonal Skills
You might have these questions in mind.
What are interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills refer to the abilities that help individuals effectively communicate and interact with others. These include listening, empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. Strong interpersonal skills are essential in fostering collaboration and building positive relationships.
What are the best types of games for improving interpersonal skills?
The best games focus on collaboration, communication, and trust-building. Activities like Two Truths and A Lie, Cross the Line, or Role Reversal work well. The goal is to select games that align with your team’s objectives and dynamics.
Can these exercises work for remote teams?
Yes, many exercises can be adapted for virtual environments using video conferencing tools. Desert Island Scenario, Feedback Circle, or Pictionary are excellent options. Remote teams can still benefit from team building activities that encourage interaction and strong communication. It’s important to ensure that the games chosen are inclusive and accessible for all team members, regardless of their location.
How often should these activities be played?
The frequency depends on team goals and availability, but integrating such games regularly, like once a month, can be beneficial. This consistent effort fosters ongoing development of interpersonal skills. Ultimately, balance is key; games shouldn’t feel forced or overused.
How can these skills be applied in real-life situations?
The skills learned through games can be directly translated to real-life situations. Active listening and effective communication are crucial in any relationship, whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues. Collaborative problem-solving is also essential when working on a project or facing challenges in the workplace. By practicing these skills through games, individuals can improve their ability to connect with others, work together towards a common goal, and find creative solutions to problems.