Team-building activities are more than just a morale boost for the office; they're about tapping into the spirit of true mateship that our Diggers displayed when facing insurmountable odds They should be more than a catch-up session; they’re about creating a legendary connection, where everyone's got each other's back and collaboration isn't just a word but a way of life.
So, how do you take your team from good to legendary? Dive into our handpicked selection of team-building activities, tailored to ignite that spark of unity and drive. Whether you're up for a real challenge or keen on some top-notch icebreakers to get the banter going, we've got you.
5 Activities for Team Building
Here we have 5 activities for team building split into different types.
1. Best for Getting Outdoors - The Kokoda Challenge
Seeking an outdoor team-building activity that delves deep into the heart of true Aussie spirit? Enter The Kokoda Challenge.
More than just an endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge stands as a tribute to the unparalleled mateship displayed during the historic Kokoda Campaign. Engaging in such an event isn't just for personal growth; it's a nod to the enduring spirit and tenacity of those who paved the way before us. Every step, every challenge faced along the way, resonates with the bond and trust that our heroes relied upon back in 1942. Mateship isn't about getting to the finish line first; it's about standing firm and supporting one another, leaving no one behind, crossing the finish line as a whole team. Whether your team has just formed or have been mates for years, The Kokoda Challenge will elevate that bond, reminding everyone of the essence of true Australian camaraderie and ensuring the value of mateship lives on.
The Kokoda Challenge events range from 18 km to 96 km* (not for the faint of heart!) and are available in Queensland from the Sunshine Coast, as well as Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In NSW, they set out from Lake Macquarie. In the spirit of those who gave their all, test your limits and bond as a team like never before. Be sure to check out the location nearest to you to find out the dates and event lengths available to you!
*The 96km event is only available from the Gold Coast.
2. Best for a Bit of Fun - Who Is It?
'Who Is It?' is a team-building activity designed for deepening connections, enabling your team to depend on each other much like our Diggers depended on one another in tough times, symbolising the true essence of mateship.
Participants write down an intriguing or light-hearted fact about themselves, making sure to keep their identity a secret. Put all the secrets in a hat or bowl and as each fact is read out loud, the guessing game starts. Beyond being a fun icebreaker, this activity promotes open communication and strengthens bonds among team members.
The game master can also compile the secrets into a list in advance, handing out a copy of the list to each participant. They must then go around the room trying to link all the answers - no lying and the first person to finish wins!
3. The Best for Virtual Meetings - Icebreaker Questions
While icebreaker questions might seem a bit basic, they've stood the test of time in team-building for good reason, and are a great choice for virtual meetings. These questions are like opening the door to genuine chats, letting team members share a bit of themselves. Just as the brave souls on the Kokoda Track relied on open lines of communication amidst challenging terrains, it's about breaking down those personal walls, laying down bricks of trust, and forging bonds even when screens separate us. No matter how far apart your team is physically, these icebreakers bridge the gap, uniting everyone with a shared sense of purpose and mateship.
Here are 10 of our favourite icebreaker questions!
1. What are your 3 must-have office items?
2. Describe your job to a 3-year-old.
3. What was your dream job when you were 5?
4. You can only eat one food item for the rest of your life. What would you choose?
5. What single piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
6. What is the biggest accomplishment you’ve achieved in a team setting?
7. What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten? Would you eat it again?
8. What is the song you’ve listened to the most in your life?
9. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
10. If you had the power to teleport right now, where would you teleport to and why?
2. Describe your job to a 3-year-old.
3. What was your dream job when you were 5?
4. You can only eat one food item for the rest of your life. What would you choose?
5. What single piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
6. What is the biggest accomplishment you’ve achieved in a team setting?
7. What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten? Would you eat it again?
8. What is the song you’ve listened to the most in your life?
9. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
10. If you had the power to teleport right now, where would you teleport to and why?
4. The Best for When You Want to Stay Indoors - Two Truths and a Lie
'Two Truths and a Lie' isn’t your standard indoor team-building activity. It's as much about the laughs as it is about that bond that grows when you think you've figured out someone’s secret. This simple game echoes the camaraderie of the men as they travelled along the rugged Kokoda path, relying on genuine connections amidst the challenges.
Each player says three facts about themselves out loud – two genuine and one a lie. The challenge? Figuring out the tall tale from the truths. It's more than just a guessing game; it’s a journey into shared stories, sparking both chuckles and conversations. It sharpens the team’s attention to detail while paving the way for friendly banter and team camaraderie. Whether you’re all in one room or connecting online, it’s a flexible game tailored for fun and bonding. And whether the team discusses the answers together or everyone has a personal guess, it's all in the spirit of unity and a bit of mischief.
5. Best 5-minute Team Building Activity - Word Association
Word association isn't just another team-building exercise; it's a brief journey into the collective mindset of a group. Just in a few moments, it invites participants to dive deep into their mind, echoing back words inspired by their teammate’s inputs. It's more than a rapid-fire game; it becomes a bridge, connecting minds and fostering a mutual understanding, much like the resilience and quick thinking of the Diggers who navigated the treacherous Kokoda terrains, uniting in purpose. In this dance of words, the spirits of unity and collaboration shine through, even if you only have five minutes to spare. To honour each teammate’s voice, we find that it’s best done in a set order, ensuring every thought is heard, and every participant is seen.
Take Your Team-Building to the Next Level
There you have it, five tried-and-true activities designed not just to build a team, but to deeply connect its members. Learning from the resilience and unity our Diggers showcased on the Kokoda Track in 1942, we know that real team-building goes beyond surface-level exercises; it's a pathway to understanding, resilience, and mateship. Whether it's the immediacy of word association or the enduring endeavour of The Kokoda Challenge, each is an avenue to tighten bonds and foster unity.
At The Kokoda Challenge, our ethos is deeply rooted in shared experiences, to remind us of the dedication and sacrifice of our brave soldiers. Embracing these moments shapes a lasting and collaborative team environment, pushing the boundaries of productivity and camaraderie. Engage with these experiences, solidify your team's bond, and witness a transformation of unity and spirit. The call to challenge is clear: take the next step and sign up for an event. Register for a Kokoda Challenge event near you today.
