Playful Approaches to Team Building: Creating Meaningful Connections Across Groups

One of the biggest challenges when working with various groups of stakeholders lies in different ways of approaching problems and interests. Some people want to dive right in and get things done, without discussion. Some want to get to know one another and figure out the best approach. Others just want to listen and be told what to do.

While all of these approaches work, the most successful cross-sector collaborations challenge facilitators to provide psychologically safe environments where all participants feel that their voices matter and that taking a risk by contributing will not harm them. 

A study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior suggests that group-based play can enhance the psychological safety of groups, thus encouraging more participation, discussion, and contributions with less fear of retribution. (Ubaka et al., 2024). Why is this important? The Greater Good Science Center sums it up in this way:

First, play for play’s sake can lead to psychological safety, which is associated with better individual performance and commitment. Second, play encourages [individuals] to move away from self-protection in interpersonal interactions. Thirdly, managers and organizations can introduce weekly dedicated time for more group-based play activities into workgroups and project teams. (Ghazi, 2024)

At first, people may feel a little resistant to playful activities at meetings. Sometimes these activities feel awkward or vulnerable. However, with a careful approach, and explanations from the facilitator, eventually participants will find the joy of silliness and feel encouraged to contribute more overall. In addition, playful approaches can help develop key skills that will move projects forward, including: listening, accepting ideas, and building upon them (“Yes, And”).

Some Playful Games:

• Zip-Zap-Zop: Participants stand in a circle and pass the words around (with a movement of the hand to point out the recipient), one word at a time. The order is always Zip, Zap, Zop. This can be done competitively and at high speed if you wish (when someone makes a mistake, they drop out of the circle). This reinforces listening and attention. The following are a few suggestions adapted from the book Applied Improvisation (Dudeck and McClure, 2018). There are also many online resources to find improvisational games that will help your team grow together playfully toward achieving your common goals (Zip Zap Zop).
• Oops! I Made a Mistake: Errors happen when people play together. Introduce this early in the process. Whenever someone makes a mistake, encourage them to loudly call out, “Oops, I made a mistake!”  Then everyone in the group applauds and celebrates. This silly practice encourages people to contribute without fear as they learn that mistakes are merely opportunities in disguise.
• One Word Story: The group builds a story together one word at a time. Remind participants that they cannot plan what their word will be; they must listen and accept what is offered. Then add a conflict. Break the group into smaller groups of 2-3 (it helps if they represent different stakeholders) and continue exploring the conflict one word at a time. Debrief with questions like:
  • What did you experience?
  • What was it like when the story went in a different direction than you intended?
  • How does this relate to your work?
• Practice Saying “No”: Sometimes saying no is difficult, especially if the team is made up of people with different power levels. Play with that by pairing up team members. One person asks for something. The other answers no. Repeat this several times with ridiculous questions. Then reflect as a group on how it felt to say no and not experience repercussions. 

References

Dudeck, Theresa Robbins, and Caitlin McClure. Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre. New York: Methuen Drama, 2018.

Ghazi, Sahar Habib. “Why Play at Work Can Inspire Employees to Take Risks.” Greater Good Magazine, October 2024.

Laughter for a Change. Zip, Zap, Zop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyWKVGoXKak

Ubaka, Adaora, M. Teresa Cardador, and Sandy J. Wayne. “Relaxing into differences and energizing into differences: How group-based play enables demographically diverse adults to co-create a climate of psychological safety.” Journal of Organizational Behavior, July 2024.