Origami Game for Teams (With Instructions & Debrief)

Do you want to conduct the origami game with your teams?

An origami exercise can foster communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This simple activity uses paper folding to reveal how your team works together under pressure.

In this article, let’s explore how to run this engaging activity with your teams.

Here is an overview of the sections in this article:

• The primary goals of the origami team challenge.

• Five different versions of the activity for various team needs.

• Tips to help you facilitate the game smoothly.

• Answers to frequently asked questions about the game.

Objective of the Activity

The origami game is more than just folding paper; it is a powerful tool for team development. It highlights team dynamics in a low-stakes environment.

Let’s look at the key objectives of this exercise.

Enhance Communication Skills

The game requires clear, precise communication. Team members must convey complex folding instructions without visual aids. This challenge forces them to listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and use descriptive language. Participants learn the importance of being understood, not just speaking. The activity reveals gaps in communication styles within the group.

Promote Collaborative Problem-Solving

Teams receive a set of instructions that one person reads aloud. The group must work together to interpret these directions and replicate the origami model. This process encourages collective thinking. Members must pool their knowledge to overcome confusing steps. They learn to build on each other’s ideas to reach a common goal.

Highlight Different Roles in a Team

During the activity, natural leaders, listeners, and detail-oriented individuals emerge. Some people might take charge of directing the process. Others will focus on executing the folds correctly. Observing these roles helps team members understand their own tendencies. It also shows the value of having diverse strengths within a group.

Improve Active Listening

Success in the origami game depends on listening. Since only one person can read the instructions, everyone else must pay close attention. This setup prevents people from jumping ahead. It forces them to process information before acting. The exercise trains participants to listen for understanding. It demonstrates how misunderstandings can derail a project.

Build Trust and Empathy

Working through a shared challenge builds camaraderie. Team members must trust the instruction-giver’s guidance. They also develop empathy for their peers who may be struggling. Successfully creating the final origami shape provides a sense of collective achievement. This shared success strengthens bonds among team members.

5 Variations of the Origami Game for Teams

Here are 5 variations of the origami activity to suit different goals.

#1. The Classic Version

This is the standard version of the activity. It focuses on basic communication and listening skills.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: One set of origami instructions, and one square sheet of paper per participant
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Ask each team to select one volunteer to be the “Leader” and give them the origami instructions. The Leader is the only person who can see the instructions.

• The Leader must read the instructions aloud to the team. The other members must follow the verbal instructions to fold their paper. For instance, the Leader might say, “Fold the top right corner down to meet the bottom left corner.”

• Leaders cannot use hand gestures to demonstrate the folds. Team members cannot speak to each other or ask questions.

• Once the final step is complete, have teams compare their finished shapes to the original design and to each other’s.

Debrief

• How did it feel to follow instructions without being able to ask questions?

• What communication challenges did the Leader face while giving instructions?

• What could the team do differently to improve its results in a similar task?

#2. The Expert Communicator

This version adds a layer of complexity by creating an information chain. It highlights the challenges of relaying messages through multiple people.

Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: One set of origami instructions, and one square sheet of paper per participant
Participants: 4-8 people per group

Instructions

• Ask each team to select two volunteers: a “Knower” and a “Communicator.” The Knower is the only person who can see the instructions.

• The Knower must read the instructions to the Communicator. The Communicator then relays the instructions to the rest of the team. For example, the Knower says a step, then the Communicator repeats it to the folders.

• The Knower and Communicator cannot use hand gestures. The rest of the team can ask the Communicator for clarification, but the Communicator cannot ask the Knower.

• After all steps are read, ask teams to show their completed origami shapes and discuss the process.

Debrief

• How did the message change as it was passed from the Knower to the team?

• What strategies did the Communicator use to ensure the instructions were clear?

• What does this activity teach us about the flow of information in our projects?

#3. The Silent Leader

This variation reverses the typical rules. It emphasizes non-verbal communication and observational learning.

Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: One set of origami instructions for the leader, and one square sheet of paper per participant
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Give one person in each group, the “Leader,” a set of origami instructions and a sheet of paper.

• The Leader must create the origami model in front of the team without speaking. The team members watch the Leader and try to replicate the folds.

• No one, including the Leader, is allowed to talk during the activity. Team members can only learn by observing.

• When the Leader finishes the model, have the team compare their creations.

Debrief

• What was challenging about learning without verbal guidance?

• What specific non-verbal cues from the Leader were most helpful?

• How can we improve our ability to learn by watching others in our daily work?

#4. The Collaborative Build

This version promotes full team collaboration and open dialogue. It is great for practicing group problem-solving.

Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: One set of origami instructions per group, and one square sheet of paper per participant
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Place one set of origami instructions in the center of the table for each group. Everyone is allowed to read them.

• Ask the groups to work together to interpret the instructions and fold their paper. Everyone can talk, ask questions, and help each other. For instance, a group member who understands a step can show others.

• The goal is for everyone in the group to successfully create the same origami shape.

• Encourage groups to discuss their strategy before they begin folding.

Debrief

• How did your group organize itself to tackle the task?

• Who emerged as a leader or facilitator during the process?

• What part of the collaboration worked well, and what could be improved?

#5. The Memory Challenge

This variation tests listening skills and short-term memory. It forces participants to process and retain information before acting.

Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: One set of origami instructions, and one square sheet of paper per participant
Participants: 3-8 people per group

Instructions

• Select one “Leader” for each group to read the instructions.

• The Leader reads two to three steps of the instructions aloud at a time. After reading the steps, the group must try to complete them from memory.

• The group cannot touch their paper while the Leader is reading. They can only begin folding after the Leader finishes speaking. For example, the Leader reads steps 1 and 2, then says “Go,” and the group folds.

• The Leader continues this process until all steps are completed. No questions are allowed.

Debrief

• How difficult was it to remember multiple steps at once?

• What techniques did you use to recall the instructions accurately?

• What does this exercise show about the importance of breaking down complex information?

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Tips for Successful Facilitation

A well-facilitated session ensures the team gets the most out of the activity. Your role is to guide the process and help draw out key learnings.

Here are some tips to help you lead a successful origami game session.

Choose the Right Variation

Select a version of the game that aligns with your team’s specific development needs. If you want to focus on clarity in communication, the Classic Version is ideal. To highlight issues with information silos, try The Expert Communicator. The Collaborative Build is perfect for teams that need to improve their teamwork. Matching the activity to your goals makes the debrief more relevant. The exercise becomes a targeted tool for improvement.

Prepare Materials in Advance

Ensure you have everything ready before the session begins. Print clear, easy-to-read origami instructions. Use diagrams that are simple to understand. Provide one square sheet of paper for each participant, plus a few extras. Having all materials organized saves time. It allows the team to focus on the activity without delays. A smooth start sets a professional tone for the exercise.

Set Clear Expectations

Before starting, explain the purpose of the activity. Let the team know it is not about creating perfect origami. It is about observing teamwork and communication. Clarify the rules for the specific variation you have chosen. Make sure everyone understands their roles and the constraints, such as “no talking” or “no questions.” This clarity helps prevent confusion. It ensures the results accurately reflect the team’s dynamics under the given rules.

Observe Without Intervening

Once the activity starts, your primary role is to be an observer. Take notes on how the teams interact. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal communication. Who takes the lead? Who stays quiet? How do they handle frustration or confusion? Avoid stepping in to help, even if a team is struggling. The struggle itself is part of the learning process. Your observations will be invaluable during the debrief session.

Lead an Effective Debrief

The debrief is the most important part of the activity. This is where the learning happens. Use your observations to guide the discussion. Ask open-ended questions that encourage reflection. Connect the behaviors seen in the game to real-world work scenarios. For example, you could ask, “How does the way we communicated in this game compare to how we communicate in our daily projects?” Help the team identify actionable takeaways for improving their collaboration.

Final Words

The origami game is a versatile and insightful team-building exercise. It uses a simple, creative task to uncover complex team dynamics. The activity reveals strengths in communication, collaboration, and leadership. It also highlights areas that need improvement in a safe environment. By facilitating this game and its debrief, you can help your team build stronger connections and work together more effectively.

FAQ: Origami Game

You might have these questions in mind.

What kind of origami is best for this game?

Choose simple models with 10-15 steps. Models like a crane, a fortune teller, or a simple box are good options. Avoid complex designs that may frustrate the team. The goal is to focus on the process, not to create a masterpiece.

Can this activity be done virtually?

Yes, the origami game works well for remote teams. The Leader can share their screen to show the instructions if needed, or simply read them aloud on a video call. Participants can show their finished models on camera. It is an effective way to engage virtual teams.

How do I handle a team that gets frustrated?

Acknowledge the frustration during the debrief. Ask them what caused it and how they dealt with it. This frustration is a key learning point about handling challenges under pressure. Reassure them that the activity is designed to be challenging.

How long should the debrief session last?

Allocate at least as much time for the debrief as for the activity itself. A 15-20 minute activity should have a 15-20 minute debrief. This gives the team enough time to reflect on the experience. It helps them draw meaningful connections to their work.

What if a team finishes very quickly?

If a team finishes early, ask them to discuss their process while other teams are still working. They can talk about what made them successful. This allows them to start reflecting before the formal debrief begins.

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