The difference between success and failure is a great team.
–Dave Kerpen
Building team strengths and relationships is always important, and given our current challenging times, even more so. We’ve talked about including in your weekly staff meeting time for team members to share something personal, but what about having something that is simply fun?
Enter ice breakers and games. The intent is simple: build team relationships in a relaxed forum where people can share thoughts and opinions that are not linked with work efforts or deliverables.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Remote bingo – click here for a free template and “how to” instructions
2. Team “fave” week – pick a daily theme that everyone contributes to and posts a picture. Example:
a. Monday – favorite animal photo
b. Tuesday – favorite beverage (let the creativity flow!)
c. Wednesday – favorite musical group
d. Thursday – favorite food
e. Friday – favorite vacation spot
3. Conversation starters/ice breakers:
a. Which do you prefer and why: dogs or cats?
b. Least favorite food?
c. Do you consider yourself a morning or night person?
d. What task are you most likely to procrastinate doing?
e. What home “to do” has been on your list the longest?
4. More activities
a. “How to” – ex. mix a favorite drink, assemble a preferred recipe, paint a wall, bathe a dog, etc
b. Show and tell – (you can set a theme if you prefer)
c. Virtual book club – this could be a subset of the team
d. Daily “step” challenge; who walks the most over a 5 day period.
e. Teach an exercise. Ex. Yoga, stretching, strength training, etc
5. Daily Fika – this is a Swedish concept considered by many to be essential. Every day colleagues make time to share a cup of coffee (or tea) and a little something to eat.
Having a work culture that includes fun and encourages colleagues to get to know one another on a more personal level is a plus. It also helps to better understand and get to know the boss!
If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.
–Henry Ford