Are you in search of some leadership activities for small groups?
Leadership is an essential skill that can benefit employees in all aspects of their lives. In a small group setting, practicing leadership skills can foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. It also allows employees to develop confidence and learn how to motivate and inspire others.
In this article, let’s explore 10 leadership activities for small groups that are both fun and effective! These exercises can be used in team building sessions, leadership workshops, or even during regular meetings to promote growth within your organization.
10 Leadership Activities for Small Groups
Here are some leadership activities for small groups that you can try in your workplace.
#1. Team Interview
This activity allows employees to get to know each other on a deeper level and builds trust among the group. It promotes active listening and communication skills.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Small groups of 2 or more
Instructions
- Ask each team member to pair up with someone they don’t know well.
- Instruct them to take turns interviewing each other about their strengths, weaknesses, goals, and interests.
- After the interviews, have each person introduce their partner to others highlighting the key points from the interview.
- Encourage active listening and engagement during the introductions.
Debrief
Highlight the importance of active listening, understanding different perspectives, and building rapport within the team. Encourage the participants to reflect on what they learned about their partner and how it can foster stronger collaboration.
#2. Word Association
This activity promotes creativity, communication, and collaboration within a group. It also allows individuals to practice thinking on their feet.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Whiteboard or flip chart, and markers
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Write a random word on the whiteboard or flip chart.
- Ask each team member to take turns saying the first word that comes to mind when they see the main word.
- Encourage everyone in the group to participate and build upon each other’s words.
- Repeat this process for at least 5 rounds, using different words each time.
Debrief
Discuss how the exercise promoted creative thinking, communication, and teamwork. Encourage the participants to reflect on how they can apply these skills in their work environment.
#3. Values Auction
This activity allows team members to explore each other’s values and learn how to prioritize their own values. It also promotes critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: List of values, and fake money or point system
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each team member with a list of values and a set amount of fake money or points.
- Instruct them to prioritize their values by “bidding” on the ones they consider most important, using their fake money/points.
- After everyone has made their bids, discuss as a group why certain values were chosen and how they align with personal and organizational goals.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of knowing one’s values and how it can impact decision-making in the workplace. Encourage the participants to reflect on whether their personal values align with the company culture and how they can use this knowledge to improve teamwork and communication.
#4. Group Drawing
This activity promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills within a group. It also allows participants to practice giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, and pencils/markers
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Divide the participants into teams of equal size.
- Give each team a pencil or marker and a piece of paper.
- Instruct them to create a drawing together as a team, without being able to see each other’s work.
- After the drawing is complete, have each team present their artwork to the rest of the group and discuss how they worked together and what challenges they faced.
Debrief
Highlight the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability in completing a task successfully. Encourage the participants to reflect on any roadblocks they encountered and how they overcame them as a team.
#5. Role Play
This activity allows team members to practice empathy, effective communication, and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive way.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Scenarios or case studies related to common workplace issues
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each group with a scenario or case study related to a common workplace issue.
- Instruct them to assign roles and act out the situation, focusing on effective communication and conflict resolution.
- After each role play, have the group discuss how they handled the situation and what they could have done differently.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of empathy, listening, and problem-solving skills in resolving conflicts in the workplace. Encourage the participants to reflect on how these skills can be applied in their daily work interactions.
#6. Memory Game
This activity improves memory, teamwork, and communication skills within a group. It also allows participants to practice leadership by assigning roles and delegating tasks.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Grid with hidden objects, and small prizes for winners (optional)
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Show the participants a grid with various objects hidden within it for a few seconds.
- Instruct them to work together as a team to remember as many objects as possible.
- After the viewing time is up, have each team write down their list of objects and compare them with other teams.
- The team with the most correct answers wins (you can offer small prizes for an added incentive).
Debrief
Highlight the importance of teamwork, communication, and delegation in completing a task successfully. Encourage the participants to reflect on any challenges they faced and how they overcame them as a team.
#7. Photo Storytelling
This activity promotes creativity, collaboration, and active listening within a group. It also encourages participants to share personal stories and experiences.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A selection of photos or images
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each group with a set of photos or images.
- Instruct them to select one photo from the set and tell a story about it, incorporating all members of the team into the narrative.
- Encourage all team members to actively listen and contribute to the storytelling process.
- After each group has shared their story, have a group discussion on how they worked together and what unique perspectives were brought to the story.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of active listening, teamwork, and creativity in building a cohesive narrative. Encourage the participants to reflect on how they can apply these skills in their work and personal lives.
#8. Survivor Game
This activity promotes strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork within a group. It also allows team members to practice conflict resolution skills.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: List of survival items (e.g. food, shelter, weapons, etc.)
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each team with a list of survival items.
- Instruct them to work together to prioritize the items based on their importance in a survival situation. For example, stranded in a desert island.
- After the teams have completed their lists, have them present their choices and discuss any conflicts that arose during the decision-making process.
- Encourage them to negotiate and come to a compromise if necessary.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution in making difficult decisions as a team. Encourage the participants to reflect on any personal biases that may have influenced their choices and how they can be more aware of them in the future.
#9. Mind Mapping
This activity promotes creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills within a group. It also encourages participants to think outside the box and share their ideas.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Large paper or whiteboard, and markers
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each group with a large piece of paper or a whiteboard and markers.
- Instruct them to brainstorm ideas related to a specific topic (e.g. improving company culture) and visually represent them through mind mapping.
- Encourage all team members to contribute their ideas and build upon each other’s thoughts.
- After the mind map is complete, have each group present their ideas and discuss how they came up with them.
Debrief
Highlight the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in generating innovative ideas. Encourage the participants to reflect on how they can apply these skills in problem-solving situations at work.
#10. Letter Writing
This activity promotes empathy, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills within a group. It also allows participants to practice active listening.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Paper, and pen
Participants: Small groups of 3 or more
Instructions
- Provide each group with a scenario or common workplace issue (e.g. a disagreement between coworkers).
- Instruct them to write a letter to the other person involved in the situation, expressing their thoughts and feelings.
- Encourage the participants to actively listen and consider the other person’s perspective while writing the letter.
- After completion, have each group share their letters and discuss possible solutions to the situation.
Debrief
Discuss the importance of empathy and effective communication in resolving conflicts in the workplace. Encourage the participants to reflect on how they can practice these skills in their daily interactions with coworkers.
Want Some Unique Leadership Development Activities?
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Or Want Some Unique Team Building Activities?
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Final Words
As a leader, it is important to regularly incorporate leadership development activities into your meetings or workshops. These exercises not only promote collaboration and communication within a group, but also allow participants to practice essential skills such as problem-solving, and conflict resolution. By fostering a positive and cohesive team dynamic, these activities can ultimately contribute to the success of your team and organization. So, next time you plan a meeting or workshop, consider adding one of these exercises!
FAQ: Leadership Activities for Small Groups
You might have these questions in mind.
What are the benefits of leadership activities for small groups?
There are several benefits to incorporating leadership activities into small group settings. These activities promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills within the team. They also allow participants to practice essential leadership skills such as decision-making and conflict resolution. Furthermore, these activities can help build a positive team dynamic and foster relationships among team members.
Can leadership activities be tailored to specific goals or objectives?
Yes, leadership activities can be tailored to specific goals or objectives. For example, if your goal is to improve teamwork within your team, you might choose an activity that focuses on communication and collaboration. Or if you want to promote creativity and innovation, you could select an activity that encourages brainstorming and thinking outside the box. The key is to choose activities that align with your desired outcomes and objectives.
Are there any leadership activities suitable for virtual teams?
Yes, there are many leadership activities that can be adapted for virtual teams. For example, the mind mapping activity mentioned above can easily be done on a virtual whiteboard or through collaboration software. Other options include online scavenger hunts, virtual escape rooms, etc. It is important to consider the technological capabilities of your team when selecting a virtual activity.