At Zing Events, we know just how important team building is, and not just because it’s our bread and butter. Teams that gel, communicate well, and trust each other are more productive, more engaged, and—let’s be honest—more fun to be around. If you’re the one tasked with organising a team building day (and if you’re reading this, you probably are), you’re in the right place! Let’s take a look at the 6 best methods of team building that will get your team working like a dream, all while making you look like a rock star to the higher-ups.
1. Activity-Based Team Building
Nothing bonds a team quite like getting out of the office and trying something a bit out of the ordinary. Activity-based team building is one of the best methods of team building. It’s all about stepping out of the day-to-day routine and working together in fun, engaging ways. It’s especially effective for teams that already work well together but could use a fresh challenge or an energy boost.
Examples:
- Escape The Box: Teams work together to solve puzzles and escape within a time limit, honing their problem-solving skills and teamwork under pressure.
- Scavenger Hunts: A brilliant outdoor option that fosters competition, communication, and strategic thinking.
- Sports Tournaments: For teams that love a bit of friendly rivalry. Plus, it’s a great way to spot future leaders!
These activities bring everyone together, encouraging collaboration in a way that’s enjoyable and, dare we say, unforgettable. After all, nothing says ‘we’ve bonded’ quite like collectively solving a tricky puzzle or nailing that team relay!
2. Communication-Based Team Building
Good communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. But let’s face it, not every team member is a natural-born communicator, and that’s OK! Communication-based team building focuses on breaking down barriers, improving dialogue, and building trust—key ingredients for a cohesive team. They are recognised as one of the best methods of team building.
Examples:
- Truth & Lies: A simple game where team members share one truth and two lies about themselves, and the rest have to guess the falsehood. It’s a fun icebreaker that gets everyone talking.
- Barter Puzzle: Each small group works on their own puzzle but must negotiate with other groups to complete it. This activity requires clear communication and negotiation skills.
By the end of these activities, your team will not only know each other better, but they’ll also understand how to communicate more effectively in the workplace—something that can work wonders when deadlines loom.
3. Skills-Based Team Building
Skill-building is a win-win for everyone involved. They make the list for best methods of team building because employees get to develop new skills, and companies benefit from teams that are more competent and confident. Skills-based team building is perfect when you want to blend fun with learning, enhancing abilities that directly impact job performance.
Examples:
- The Trading Floor: This high-energy activity simulates the fast-paced world of stock trading, helping teams sharpen their decision-making and strategic thinking skills.
- Blind Retriever: One person is blindfolded, and the rest of the team has to guide them to an object using only verbal directions. It’s great for testing communication under pressure.
Incorporating skill-building is one of the best methods of team building as it shows your employees that you care about their professional development. It’s a subtle way to say, “Hey, we want you to grow with us.”
4. Personality-Based Team Building
Understanding the different personalities in your team is crucial for fostering a supportive and dynamic working environment. This method helps your team appreciate each other’s unique strengths and weaknesses, promoting empathy and better collaboration. See why it made the best methods of team building list.
Examples:
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: This classic personality test helps team members understand their own personalities and those of their colleagues. It’s an eye-opener for everyone involved!
- Strengths-Based Workshops: These workshops focus on identifying individual strengths and how they can be leveraged to benefit the entire team.
When employees understand each other’s personalities, they are far more likely to work harmoniously, improving overall team dynamics and boosting job satisfaction. And guess what? Engaged employees are 18% more productive than their disengaged counterparts! (Yes, we’ve done our homework.)
5. Problem-Solving Based Team Building
Got a team that loves a challenge? Problem-solving activities are ideal for teams that thrive on innovation and thinking outside the box. These activities push your employees to work together under pressure, developing quick-thinking strategies and solutions that can translate directly back to the workplace.
Examples:
- Escape Rooms: Teams have to work together to solve clues and escape within a time limit. It’s fast-paced, fun, and a great way to see how well your team handles stress.
- Egg Drop Challenge: Each team has to design a structure that can protect an egg from a high drop using only basic materials. It’s creative, competitive, and full of laughs (especially when an egg doesn’t quite make it!).
Problem-solving activities reveal the leaders, the innovators, and the team players in your group. Plus, they make for some seriously memorable moments and that’s why they make our list of best methods of team building.
6. Value-Based Team Building
If your company is big on corporate social responsibility (CSR) (and who isn’t these days?), value-based team building is a perfect fit. One of the best methods of team building is all about working together for a cause, combining team building with philanthropy. It gives your employees a sense of purpose, all while fostering collaboration and strengthening company culture.
Examples:
- Charity Challenges: Teams could compete to donate food for families in need, or perhaps work together on a community project. These activities have a lasting impact, not just on your team but on the wider community too.
People want to work for companies that care. In fact, businesses that prioritise culture and values see a 33% revenue increase compared to those that don’t. By giving your team a chance to contribute to something bigger than themselves, you’re not just improving team dynamics—you’re creating a culture of giving that will attract and retain top talent.
Why Team Building Matters
Team building isn’t just about having a bit of fun (though that’s important too). It’s about creating an environment where employees feel engaged, appreciated, and motivated to do their best work. When done right, team building fosters trust, improves communication, and creates lasting bonds between team members—leading to a stronger, more productive team. So whether you’re looking for a quick morale boost or a long-term strategy to improve your company culture, these 6 best methods of team building have got you covered.
At Zing Events, we’re all about helping you create unforgettable team experiences that truly make a difference. Ready to transform your team? Let’s make it happen.
