As a team, trust is an essential component in establishing a healthy and productive collaborative environment. Building trust amongst team members takes time and effort. But with the right exercises, it can be achieved. Here are some trust building exercises for teams that can strengthen collaboration.

Personal Histories Sharing

Sharing personal stories that have impacted your life can be a great way to start building trust. This exercise allows team members to share personal experiences that have helped shape who they are today. It is essential to set some boundaries and guidelines to ensure that the sharing is within a safe and comfortable zone.

:star: Highlight: Be supportive and non-judgemental when listening to others.

A group of diverse people holding hands forming a circle

Blindfolded Trust Walk

In this exercise, team members are divided into pairs and take turns blindfolding each other while the other person guides them through a designated course safely. This exercise is a test of trust, communication, and collaboration as the two participants navigate through the course.

:star: Tip: Establish clear communication guidelines and agree on vocabulary or signals to ensure safety and success.

Two coworkers leaning against each other, one with a blindfold and the other guiding

Two Truths and a Lie

The Two Truths and a Lie game is a fun and engaging way for team members to get to know each other. Each person shares three statements about themselves, two true and one false, and the rest of the team has to guess which statement is a lie. This exercise helps team members to open up about themselves while encouraging active listening among the group.

:star: Highlight: Encourage team members to share unique or surprising truths about themselves.

A group of coworkers sitting around a table, one person sharing while others listen attentively

Miracle Question

The miracle question exercise is a hypothetical scenario that encourages team members to think positively about the future. Each person takes a turn answering the question, “If you woke up tomorrow, and your biggest problem was solved, what would be different?” The exercise encourages team members to make connections with one another while also providing a positive outlook.

:star: Tip: Encourage participants to be specific about the details of their answers to make the exercise more engaging.

A drawing of a lightbulb with a thought bubble above it

Feedback Exercise

The Feedback exercise is a great way to build trust and communication amongst team members in a positive manner. Each person takes turns providing feedback to their partner, starting with what they admire about the other person and ending with constructive criticism. This exercise facilitates open communication and encourages team members to appreciate each other’s strengths.

:star: Highlight: Emphasize the importance of delivering constructive criticism with care and respect.

Two people sitting across from each other, one person giving feedback while the other listens

In Summary

Trust-building exercises are essential to establish a healthy and productive collaborative environment. Team members who trust each other tend to work better together, communicate more effectively, and achieve their desired outcomes faster. Remember, it takes time, effort, and ongoing practice to build and maintain trust within a team. With the right exercises, you can create a strong foundation for trust and collaboration.

A group of diverse people standing next to each other, smiling