Free Team Building Activity 2:
Blind Construction

This has recently become my favourite team building activity for groups of 6 to 12 people. I like it because it has so much potential for witnessing how teams communicate and work together in a short period of time. Leadership styles are also rapidly displayed and the potential for debriefing this activity is limitless.

Again this is best accomplished using teams of 6 to 12 individuals. Optimally you'll have 2 teams competing head to head on this task in order to raise the level of anxiety.

Set up the task by seating the group in a circle either at a table, on the floor, or on the ground. Blindfold them all and tell them they need to assemble something and that all the pieces they require are within reach with no bodily movement is required.

I have built a 4'x4' jigsaw puzzle, comprised of 12 pieces, out of thin plywood. I have 2 puzzles and they are identical. I then place 10 pieces in the middle of the circle, place one piece behind one of the participants and hold the remaining piece over the head of somebody else.

I then sit back and watch and laugh.

Watch closely (and take notes) for how people communicate with one another. Somebody might say "I have a piece with an angle".

What sort of angle? Is it a right angle? Is it acute or obtuse? Is it a male or female angle?

Also watch for how people deal with frustration, because there definitely will be some!

Who takes the lead in this situation and who shuts down entirely?

Keep an eye for those people who want to start by formulating a plan and for those who simply want to dive right in.

You can learn a lot about a team from this simple exercise. I like to use my 4x4 puzzles, but I'm sure this activity could be just as successful if you had them construct nearly anything. Just use your imagination...