Top Agile Games for Building Stronger Teams

Building a strong, cohesive team is essential for any organisation aiming to improve productivity and morale. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through team collaboration games. These activities encourage communication, trust, and problem-solving skills among team members. In this post, we will explore some of the best agile games for team building that can help your team work better together and achieve common goals.

Why Team Collaboration Games Matter

Team collaboration games are more than just fun activities. They serve a strategic purpose in enhancing how team members interact and collaborate. When teams engage in these games, they learn to:

• Communicate more effectively

• Understand each other's strengths and weaknesses

• Build trust and empathy

• Solve problems creatively

• Adapt to change quickly

  
  

For example, a game like "The Marshmallow Challenge" requires teams to build the tallest structure using spaghetti, tape, string, and a marshmallow. This simple exercise highlights the importance of prototyping, iteration, and teamwork in a low-risk environment.

Team building activity with marshmallow challenge

Top Team Collaboration Games to Try

Here are some of the most popular and effective team collaboration games that can be easily implemented in your workplace or remote team sessions.

1. The Marshmallow Challenge

As mentioned earlier, this game involves building a tower with limited materials. It encourages teams to experiment, communicate, and iterate quickly. The time constraint adds pressure, simulating real-world project deadlines.

How to play:

• Divide the team into small groups.

• Provide each group with 20 sticks of spaghetti, one metre of tape, one metre of string, and one marshmallow.

• Set a timer for 18 minutes.

• The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure with the marshmallow on top.

  
  

Benefits:

• Encourages innovation and creativity

• Teaches the value of prototyping

• Enhances collaboration under pressure

  
  

2. Minefield

This game is excellent for building trust and improving communication skills. One team member is blindfolded and must navigate a "minefield" of objects guided only by verbal instructions from their teammates.

How to play:

• Set up an obstacle course with various objects.

• Blindfold one participant.

• Other team members give clear, concise directions to help the blindfolded person cross the minefield safely.

  
  

Benefits:

• Builds trust among team members

• Improves listening and communication skills

• Encourages clear and precise instructions

  
  

3. Agile Games for Team Building

Incorporating agile games for team building into your team development strategy can significantly enhance agility and responsiveness. These games simulate real agile practices like sprint planning, retrospectives, and prioritisation in a fun and engaging way.

One popular agile game is "Planning Poker," where team members estimate the effort required for tasks using numbered cards. This encourages discussion, consensus-building, and better project planning.

Team playing planning poker for agile estimation

How to Choose the Right Team Collaboration Games

Selecting the right games depends on your team's size, goals, and current challenges. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Identify your objectives: Are you focusing on communication, trust, problem-solving, or creativity?

• Consider team size: Some games work better with small groups, others with larger teams.

• Adapt to your environment: Choose games that fit your workspace or virtual setup.

• Time availability: Pick games that fit within your available time without causing disruption.

  
  

For example, if your team struggles with communication, "Minefield" is a great choice. If you want to foster innovation, "The Marshmallow Challenge" is ideal.

Tips for Facilitating Effective Team Collaboration Games

To get the most out of these games, facilitation is key. Here are some actionable recommendations:

• Set clear objectives: Explain why you are playing the game and what you hope to achieve.

• Debrief after the game: Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how lessons can be applied to work.

• Encourage participation: Make sure everyone is involved and feels comfortable contributing.

• Keep it fun: Maintain a positive atmosphere to encourage openness and creativity.

• Rotate roles: Let different team members lead or facilitate to build leadership skills.

  
  

Facilitator leading a team collaboration game session

Building Stronger Teams Through Play

Incorporating team collaboration games into your regular team activities can transform how your team works together. These games break down barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you are working in-person or remotely, these agile games for team building offer practical ways to enhance teamwork and drive success.

By regularly engaging in these activities, teams become more adaptable, communicative, and aligned with organisational goals. Start small, choose games that fit your team’s needs, and watch your team grow stronger with every session.