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Knot My Problem

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Group of hands holding onto a cross cross of ropes as part of team problem-solving activity Knot My Problem

Knot My Problem

Variation of classic team problem-solving activity to build cooperation.

  • Interactive
  • Promotes communication
  • Fosters collaboration
  • Focus on roles

Team Problem-Solving Activity

This dynamic group initiative creates a physical challenge that requires clear communication and commitment to resolve. Knot My Problem is a team problem-solving activity that uses an ordinary, tangled rope to create a meaningful exercise where everyone must work together. Perfect for leadership development or team building, it reveals how teams approach complex challenges while developing patience and cooperation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Original post August 2017, last updated September 2025.

BY Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

Comments (6)

  1. malkarena07

    I tried this activity and sometimes the knot doesn’t become untangled. Does this always work? Or am I doing something wrong?

    Reply
    1. Mark Collard

      That’s right Malka, on occasions, the tangle of the rope will not allow your group to fully untangle itself. You may get two circles, two intersecting circles, one or more knots in a circle, etc. As described in the Variations tab, I recommend you apply ‘Knot First Aid’ to this issue if and when it occurs.

    2. jeWElle de Mesa

      Thaaaaanks for the comments. I wonder – how might the reflection questions evolve, based on the range of possible results? I am thinking of ‘classic’ questions like:

      1. How did the result happen? what were some of the influencing factors?
      2. How do we feel about the result?
      3. How might the result link to what we are trying to achieve?

    3. jeWElle de Mesa

      Annnnnd if we are on a roll with the ‘this is knot just a theme’ 🙂 using the ‘pass the knot’ as a debrief/reflection tool might be cute. (“,)

    4. Mark Collard

      Good stuff JeWElle, and as you already noted, Pass The Knot is a great variation to use this activity to make it a fun reflection technique.

    5. samhui

      thanks . let me try today.

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