As teams become more diverse and dynamic, organizations are wise to look for ways to improve their performance as a group, and foster strong interpersonal connections  within various  teams. Creating a collaborative and innovative culture, allowing individuals to contribute their talents leads to company commitment.

Building trust comes with practicing transparency and integrity which leads to cohesive teamwork. The best way to create the magic surrounding synergy as quickly as possible is through team-building exercises.

The following are 3 of the most effective team-building exercises, as well as practice advice surrounding implementation.

1.   Trust Fall Exercise

For decades now, a consistent  75% of employees rate teamwork to be vitally important for achieving workplace satisfaction!

Since people place such a high degree of value on feeling like they are part of a team at work, it makes a lot of sense to invest in ways to build on that coveted environment. The most common team-building exercise is the “Trust Fall Exercise”.

The exercise typically involves one person standing on a raised platform or standing in front of a group and then falling backward, trusting their teammates to catch them. The trust fall exercise is a simple yet powerful way to build trust among team members. It helps team members learn to rely on one another and work together more effectively.

Pro Tip: If you are risk-adverse, chances are your sub-conscious will be flashing the red-light with the words ‘liability risk’. Suggest having your team do this one at your own risk, if you are not encasing your employees in bubble wrap, with chiropractors at the ready.

2.   Blindfold Guiding Exercise

The “Blindfold Guiding Exercise” is another team-building exercise that can help build new connections among team members. The exercise typically involves one person wearing a blindfold and being guided by their teammates through an obstacle course or a specific task. It also helps to quickly break down barriers and promote a sense of camaraderie among team members. As a result, the blindfolded person develops trust in their teammates, and the other team members learn to communicate effectively and work together.

Pro Tip: Always be sure to choose the highest member of leadership to be the one that is ‘blindfolded’.

3.   True and False Exercise

With so many people now working fully remote, how can you promote communication when more people work off-site?

A terrific team-building exercise that will work online just as well as in- person is the “True and False Exercise”.

Everyone loves a good story, and corporations love it more when it helps to build trust and camaraderie among the team members. The true and false exercise is perfect because it breaks the ice and allows everyone involved to use their imagination to learn more about each other.

In this exercise, a group of people sit in a circle and take turns sharing statements about themselves. Some statements are true, while others are false. The group must then try to guess which statements are true and which are false.

Nothing builds a positive environment more than the gift of laughter!

Having your team share a giggle, or even a grin is the quickest way to cultivate a positive culture amongst your organization.

Pro Tip: Doing this on a quarterly basis provides amplifies positive benefits. As a team trying to determine if someone is being truthful or not, they will quickly have ‘champs’ that carry the badge of undefeated. Doing this at the start of quarterly team meetings can be a terrific way to positively charge the mood with a fun activity that all can join in on.

As you continue to build your teams, please consider looking for areas that you can top-grade with better employee matches, in terms of both skill sets as well as culturally.

When you see an opportunity to upgrade your team, & are ready to interview an exceptional pool of top talent, please reach out to International Search Consultants.

Since 1999, ISC has provided exceptionally qualified candidates for our clients across the US.

Call ISC today to speak with experienced executive recruiting professionals who will help strategize on your next critical fill hiring need.

Ann Zaslow-Rethaber is President of International Search Consultants. You can reach Ann directly at 888-866-7276 or email her at .

Jennifer Crook is an Executive Recruiter with ISC. You can reach Jennifer directly at 800-319-9670 or via email at .