We are so much more than our job titles. We have interests that have drawn us to our roles and help us excel within them. We each have a story to tell. It may seem paradoxical, but when team members know each other better as individuals, it generates greater teamwork, creates areas of commonality, and helps celebrate the diversity in each of us.
You can find some interesting ice breaker games on the internet to help facilitate people within the company getting to know each other, but these activities often end up feeling forced and awkward—like something you participated in as an 11-year-old at summer camp. A better way for team members to get to know each other is to go on a group outing. When they work together to accomplish something they have never done before, a common bond develops and they have something to talk about for weeks afterwards.
If the words “team builder” or “ice breaker” cause you to break out in a cold sweat, consider booking a room at Escape Games PDX. As a manager, this is a unique way to proactively build morale and camaraderie within your team — in a way that people are actually excited about!
Teams work together to find hidden objects, solve puzzles, and figure out clues to locate the key that will set them free. And it’s not as easy as it sounds; only 30% of players actually make it out before the hour is up. Here’s how it works.
This is a great bonding activity that requires leadership skills, teamwork, logic, and patience. Not only will it give your team a chance to have fun, but it is ideal for both small and large groups.
Escape Games PDX has 3 different room themes that will challenge even the most savvy of players. Some groups even choose to play one room, go to lunch to debrief and then come back afterwards for another round to see if they can beat their original time.
So skip the awkward ice breakers and make the process of getting to know each other a lot more productive and a lot less painful!