#2 Blackjack

Props needed: Deck of cards
Skills developed: Non-verbal communication, teamwork, problem solving

This is one of those team building games that’s just plain fun.

Hand out a card to each participant, making sure no one looks at their card.

Then, ask everyone to place their card on their forehead – visible to everyone else, but not to themselves.

The goal?

Create as many “blackjacks” as possible – groups of people whose card values add up to 19, 20 or 21.

The twist: it’s non-verbal. No talking, just silent movement and deduction.

The group must figure out who to pair or group up with using nothing but eye contact, gestures and intuition.

It’s an excellent way to practise communication, critical thinking, and leadership – all under the guise of a playful challenge.

#4 Alter Shake

Props needed: None
Skills developed: Coordination, group strategy, social interaction

This game needs no equipment or even much space.

The challenge: shake hands with every person in the room, alternating hands each time.

Start with your right hand, then left with the next person, back to right, and so on.

Simple? On paper, yes. In practice, it gets messy – and that’s where the learning happens.

Expect laughs, fumbles, and plenty of problem-solving as your group works out how to make it happen.

And if physical touch is an issue in your group, you can substitute fist bumps or elbow taps – just make sure to alternate arms.

This game is a great way to warm up a room and sneak in some high-level collaboration, leadership and facilitation skills practice.