Team Building Activities Using Marshmallows & Toothpicks : Improving Your Workplace

Summary

Vivian Scott, author of 'Conflict Resolution at Work for Dummies' and co-creator of Anytime Seminars, shares her favorite team-building exercises using marshmallows and toothpicks. She categorizes them into three: 'Build Something Anything', where teams construct objects with a common goal; 'Give Them Something to Talk About', which involves incomplete instructions to spark conversation; and 'Put the Work on Them', where teams must create their own exercise. These activities foster creativity and collaboration.

Takeaways

• 📚 Vivian Scott is the author of 'Conflict Resolution at Work For Dummies' and co-creator of AnytimeSeminars.com.
• 🤔 Creating team-building exercises can be challenging for event planners.
• 🍭 Marshmallows and toothpicks are suggested as versatile and cost-effective props for team-building activities.
• 🏗️ The 'build something anything' category encourages teams to construct various structures, possibly with guidance from online instructions.
• 👥 Team composition should reflect the need for integration between different departments, such as sales and accounting.
• 🗣️ The 'give them something to talk about' category involves providing incomplete instructions to stimulate conversation and problem-solving within the group.
• 🚀 In this category, teams are tasked with building a vehicle that is comfortable and safe for two or more people, leaving the specifics open to interpretation.
• ⏱️ Setting a time frame for the exercise adds a sense of urgency and encourages efficient teamwork.
• 🤝 The 'put the work on them' category challenges teams to create their own team-building exercise using only marshmallows and toothpicks.
• 🎭 This last category requires the most creativity and teamwork as teams must devise and execute their own activities.
• 👀 As an observer, Vivian Scott suggests sitting back and watching the team dynamics unfold during these exercises.

Q & A

Who is Vivian Scott?

Vivian Scott is the author of 'Conflict Resolution at Work for Dummies' and co-creator of AnytimeSeminars.com.

What is the main challenge Vivian Scott addresses in the script?

The main challenge is coming up with new and effective team-building exercises that can be overwhelming even for advanced event planners.

What are the two favorite props Vivian Scott suggests for team-building exercises?

Vivian Scott suggests using marshmallows and toothpicks as props for team-building exercises.

Why are marshmallows and toothpicks effective as team-building props?

Marshmallows and toothpicks are effective because they are readily available, inexpensive, and can also serve as a snack during breaks.

What are the three categories of team-building exercises Vivian Scott discusses?

The three categories are: 1) Build Something Anything, 2) Give Them Something to Talk About, and 3) Put the Work on Them.

How does the 'Build Something Anything' category work?

In this category, teams are given instructions to build a structure, such as a dome, and the exercise is tailored to the group's dynamics and goals.

What is the purpose of the 'Give Them Something to Talk About' category?

This category involves providing incomplete instructions to encourage conversation and problem-solving among team members.

Can you provide an example of an exercise from the 'Give Them Something to Talk About' category?

An example is instructing teams to build a vehicle that can accommodate two or more people comfortably and safely, without providing further details.

How does the 'Put the Work on Them' category challenge creativity and teamwork?

In this category, teams are given marshmallows and toothpicks and must come up with their own team-building exercise using these materials.

What is the role of the event planner in the 'Put the Work on Them' category?

The event planner provides the materials and sets a time limit but allows the teams to independently create and execute their own exercise.

How can team-building exercises using marshmallows and toothpicks help resolve conflicts between departments like sales and accounting?

By structuring the exercises to include members from different departments and setting group goals, these exercises can foster communication and collaboration, helping to resolve conflicts.