problem solving leadership games

13 Best Problem Solving Games, Activities & Exercises for the Workplace

8 mins read

by Pete Ford

Updated On Jun 21, 2024

In today's rapidly evolving business world, the ability to solve problems effectively and efficiently is paramount. While it is crucial to understand the problem thoroughly, it is equally important not to overanalyze it to the point of inaction. Instead, the focus should be on identifying actionable solutions quickly and implementing them efficiently. Effective problem solving capabilities enable teams to identify root causes, develop innovative solutions, and implement changes that drive business success. Tackling significant challenges head-on, even when the odds are not favorable, is essential for transformative results.

Moreover, cultivating a culture of problem solving fosters a sense of autonomy and empowerment among employees. As games improve problem solving skills, teams become more independent, reducing the need for constant supervision. In addition, when individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to tackle challenges, the synergy created can lead to groundbreaking solutions and significant advancements for the organizations.

Workplace Problem Solving Games and Activities:

Just as you can't learn to write a novel solely by reading about it, or to swim merely by observing others, true mastery of problem solving skills requires more than just theory. It demands immersion and action. That's why, when fostering problem solving abilities in your employees, it's essential to engage them in practical exercises that simulate real-world challenges. Through engaging in challenging fun problem solving games for adults, teams develop the skills and confidence to effectively navigate real-world challenges.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) , problem solving skills are listed among the top skills required in the workplace by 2025. The large group problem solving activities for employees mentioned below are designed to enhance the critical thinking skills , creativity, and collaborative capabilities of your teams. These activities are not just problem solving exercises for teams, they are strategic investments in building a workforce that can navigate complexities, innovate solutions, and drive the organization towards its goals.

By engaging in structured problem solving group activities, teams learn to tackle challenges methodically and develop a proactive mindset essential for overcoming obstacles in today’s dynamic business environment.

We have carefully divided workplace problem solving activities into 3 distinct categories that cater to different aspects of problem solving skills:

Team-Based Problem Solving Activities
Creative Problem-Solving Activities
Quick and Easy Problem-Solving Activities

Team-Based Problem Solving Activities:

Team-Based Problem Solving Activities form the foundation for effective problem solving within a team, emphasizing crucial elements like communication, trust, and collaboration. As Vusi Thembekwayo once remarked, “To achieve anything in business, you need relationships based on trust.” This quote underscores the significance of fostering a trusting environment where team members feel comfortable working together, leveraging each other's strengths to tackle challenges with greater efficiency and creativity.

Via Edstellar

1. A Shrinking Vessel Training Activity:

“A Shrinking Vessel” is one of the dynamic and simple problem solving exercises for team building that challenges participants to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

This is one of the team-problem solving activities that involves employees standing within a defined space that gradually shrinks, requiring them to strategize and cooperate to stay within the boundaries.

How to Conduct the “A Shrinking Vessel” Activity:

This is one of the hands-on problem solving activities (adults can engage in) that requires a large, open area that can be marked with boundaries.
Use tape or rope to create a large initial boundary that all employees can comfortably stand within.
Gather all workers within the boundary.
Explain that the boundary will gradually shrink, and that workers must remain within the shrinking area.
Begin this problem solving activity by gradually reducing the size of the boundary every 2-3 minutes.
Use a predetermined signal (like a whistle) to indicate when the boundary is shrinking.
Continue to reduce the boundary until it becomes challenging for employees to stay within the area.
End the activity when it becomes impossible for them to stay within the boundary.

Key Takeaways

Employees learn to adapt quickly to changing constraints, enhancing their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively under pressure. These problem solving, team building games fosters creativity by requiring teams to develop strategies to navigate the shrinking space, encouraging flexibility and teamwork in dynamic environments.

Video:- Shrinking Vessel

2. Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower Training Activity:

“Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower” is one of the creative, engaging and complex problem solving activities for adults where teams use spaghetti, tape, and string to build the tallest possible structure that can support a marshmallow on top.

How to Conduct the “Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower” Activity:

To play one of these teamwork problem solving activities, you have to gather the employees and divide them into teams.
Provide each team with 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow.
Ensure each team has a flat surface to work on.
Explain that teams have 18 minutes to build the tallest free-standing structure using the materials provided, with a marshmallow on top.
Start the timer and let teams begin constructing their towers.
Encourage teams to experiment with different designs and structural concepts.
Once the time is up, measure the height of each structure from the base to the top of the marshmallow.
Announce the winning team with the tallest structure.
Discuss the different strategies used by each of the teams and what they learned from engaging in these kinds of business problem solving exercises for adults.

Key Takeaways:

Through these creative problem solving exercises, employees enhance their skills by brainstorming and constructing innovative designs with limited resources. These problem solving exercises for groups emphasize the importance of planning, adaptability, and teamwork, as the workforce must work together to build the tallest possible tower. Through trial and error, they learn to manage constraints and effectively communicate their ideas, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving shared goals.

3. Egg Drop Challenge Training Activity:

The “Egg Drop Challenge” is an exciting problem solving activity where teams design and build a structure to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height.

How to Conduct the “Egg Drop Challenge” Activity:

Divide the employees into teams and provide each team with materials such as straws, tape, newspaper, rubber bands, and plastic bags.
Ensure each team has an egg and a designated drop zone.
Explain that the teams have 30 minutes to design and construct a protective device for their egg using the provided materials.
Start the timer and let the teams begin constructing their protective devices.
Encourage teams to think creatively and test their designs.
Drop each egg from a predetermined height (e.g., 10 feet) onto a hard surface.
Check if the egg survives the drop without breaking.
Discuss which designs were successful and why, focusing on the problem solving processes used.

Employees develop innovative thinking and problem solving skills by designing and building a structure to protect an egg from breaking when dropped. This activity highlights the importance of resource management, creative engineering, and teamwork as they must brainstorm, test, and iterate their designs. By analyzing the effectiveness of their structures and learning from failures, employees enhance their ability to tackle complex challenges and improve their collaborative problem solving capabilities.

4. Stranded Training Activity:

“Stranded”, similar to “Lost at Sea” problem solving activity, is a strategic survival simulation where teams must plan and prioritize essential actions and resources to ensure their survival on a deserted island.

How to Conduct the “Stranded” Activity:

Divide the Employees into teams and provide each team with a list of hypothetical resources available on the island (e.g., rope, tarp, matches, water).
Explain a scenario that the teams are stranded on a deserted island and must decide how to use the available resources to survive.
Give teams 30 minutes to discuss and prioritize their actions and resource use.
Encourage them to consider factors like shelter, water, food, and signaling for rescue.
Have each team present their survival plan to all the teams participating in the activity.
Encourage the teams to ask questions and discuss each plan.
Discuss the strategies used by each team and what the teams learned about problem solving and resource management.

By indulging in critical thinking, problem solving exercises, employees enhance their strategic problem solving skills by planning survival strategies in a simulated deserted island scenario. This activity emphasizes the importance of prioritization, resource management, and adaptability in high-pressure situations. By collaborating on survival plans, employees learn to analyze available resources, make quick decisions, and work as a cohesive team to overcome complex challenges.

Creative Problem-Solving Activities:

Creative problem solving activities for adults encourage employees to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions to challenges. These team building, problem solving exercises for employees would help them to break free from conventional thinking patterns and develop a more flexible, imaginative approach to problem solving.

By fostering creativity, these team building, problem solving activities can lead to more effective and unique solutions.

5. Legoman Training Activity:

“Legoman” is a communication-focused activity where one participant describes a pre-built Lego structure, and the rest of the team attempts to recreate it based on the verbal instructions alone. This is one the creative problem solving games that emphasizes the importance of clear and effective communication.

How to Conduct the “Legoman” Activity:

Pre-build a Lego structure and keep it hidden from the employees.
Divide the workers into teams and provide each team with the same set of Lego pieces.
Select one team member from each team to view the pre-built structure and describe it to their team without using their hands or showing the structure.
Start the timer and have the describer begin giving instructions to their team.
The rest of the teams should build the structure based solely on the verbal instructions given by their team members.
Once the time is up, compare each team’s structure with the original.
Discuss any discrepancies and the communication challenges faced by each team.
Discuss what worked well and what could be improved in the communication process.

From the “Legoman” activity, employees develop their communication and collaborative problem solving skills by reconstructing a hidden Lego structure based solely on verbal descriptions. This exercise highlights the importance of precise communication, active listening, and teamwork. It also demonstrates how effective problem solving relies on clear instructions and the ability to interpret and act on those instructions accurately. By engaging in this activity, teams learn to coordinate their efforts and improve their ability to tackle complex tasks collectively.

6. Escape Room Training Activity:

“Escape Room” is an immersive team adventure that requires participants to solve a series of puzzles and find clues within a set time to "escape" from a themed room.

How to Conduct the “Escape Room” Activity:

Create puzzles and hide clues within a designated room.
Set up a theme and backstory to make the activity engaging.
Divide employees into small teams.
Explain the objective that the teams should solve all the puzzles and escape the room within a set time (e.g., 60 minutes).
Start the timer and let teams begin solving the puzzles.
Monitor the teams, offering hints if they get stuck.
End the activity when a team escapes the room or when the time runs out.
Discuss the strategies used by the teams and the importance of teamwork and critical thinking.

The “Escape Room” is one of the critical thinking and problem solving exercises that emphasizes teamwork and creative problem solving as the workforce work together to solve puzzles and find clues within a set time limit. This activity demonstrates the importance of collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication in overcoming challenges. Employees learn to leverage each other's strengths, think under pressure, and develop a unified approach to problem solving, making it a powerful tool for enhancing the teams’ dynamics and problem solving capabilities in the workplace.

7. Frostbite Training Activity:

“Frostbite” is a survival-themed activity where teams are tasked with building a shelter in extreme conditions, simulating a scenario where one member is incapacitated. This exercise tests the team's ability to strategize and cooperate under pressure.

How to Conduct the “Frostbite” Activity:

Provide materials such as cardboard, tape, and blankets.
Divide the employees into teams and assign one team member of each team the role of having "frostbite," meaning they cannot use their hands.
Explain the scenario that teams must build a shelter that can hold all team members within a time limit.
Start the timer and let teams begin constructing their shelters.
Encourage teams to strategize and work around the constraint of the incapacitated member.
Evaluate the shelters based on stability and effectiveness.
Discuss the problem solving techniques used under pressure and the importance of teamwork.

In the “Frostbite” activity, employees have to strategize and communicate effectively to build a shelter while managing the handicap of "frostbite," a condition that limits their hands' use. These exercises to improve problem solving skills teaches employees about adaptability, resourcefulness, and teamwork under constraints.

In addition, it also teaches the value of resilience, creative problem solving, and the ability to function efficiently despite physical or situational limitations. The experience underscores how overcoming obstacles through innovative thinking and teamwork can lead to successful outcomes in challenging environments.

8. Blind Formation Training Activity:

“Blind Formation” is a team-building exercise where participants are blindfolded and must form specific shapes or patterns based on verbal instructions from their teammates. This activity focuses on enhancing communication, trust, and coordination among team members.

How to Conduct the “Blind Formation” Activity:

Choose a large, open space where the workforce can move freely.
Prepare blindfolds for each employee.
Divide the employees into teams and explain to them that the objective is to form a specific shape or pattern while being blindfolded.
Assign one or more team members from each team as guides who will provide verbal instructions to their blindfolded teams.
Blindfold all the team members except the designated guides.
Ensure that the blindfolds are secure and that employees cannot see.
Start the activity by instructing the guides to direct their teammates to form the desired shape (e.g., a square, a triangle, or a circle).
Allow 10-15 minutes for the formation process.
Once the time is up or the shape is formed, remove the blindfolds and evaluate the accuracy of the formation.
Discuss the challenges that the teams faced during the activity and the effectiveness of the communication strategies used.

The “Blind Formation” activity emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication, trust, and team coordination as the employees must rely on their senses and the guidance of their teammates to form shapes or patterns while blindfolded. This exercise teaches the value of clear instructions, active listening, and the ability to adapt quickly to feedback. It highlights how effective teamwork and trust can overcome communication barriers and achieve complex tasks, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Quick and Easy Problem-Solving Activities:

Quick and easy problem solving games offer teams an efficient way to enhance their problem solving skills without requiring a significant time investment. These team-problem solving games and activities are designed to be brief yet effective, promoting quick thinking, collaboration, and efficient problem resolution.

Engaging in quick group problem solving exercises for adults would help employees to cultivate the ability to think on their feet and make swift decisions. This rapid decision-making capability is essential for driving innovation and growth, as it enables teams to iterate quickly and adapt to changing circumstances.

9. Line Up Blind Training Activity:

“Line Up Blind” is one of the simple, yet challenging and fun problem solving activities where blindfolded participants must line up in a specific order (e.g., by height, age, or alphabetical order) without verbal communication. This is one of the best problem solving games that emphasizes non-verbal communication and cooperation.

How to Conduct the “Line Up Blind” Activity:

These cooperative problem solving activities require a large, open space.
Explain the objective that the workers must line up in a specific order while blindfolded.
Clarify that height is the order criteria to be followed for the activity.
Blindfold all workers and ensure they cannot see.
Start the activity and allow employees to communicate non-verbally to find their position in the line.
Once the time is up, have the employees remove their blindfolds and check the accuracy of the line-up.
Discuss the strategies used by the workers for non-verbal communication and the challenges they faced during these easy problem solving activities.

The “Line Up Blind” activity focuses on enhancing non-verbal communication, trust, and problem solving under constraints as employees must rely on alternative forms of communication and collaboration to line up by height while blindfolded. This exercise highlights the importance of clear, non-verbal cues and teamwork in solving problems when traditional communication methods are unavailable. It also emphasizes the value of trust among team members and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges, fostering a supportive and innovative work environment.

10. Reverse Pyramid Training Activity:

“Reverse Pyramid” is a strategic activity where teams must invert a pyramid of cups following specific rules. This is one of the activities for problem solving that encourages strategic planning, teamwork, and attention to detail.

How to Conduct the “Reverse Pyramid” Activity:

Divide the employees in teams and provide each team with a stack of cups arranged in a pyramid (base of four cups, then three, two, and one on top).
Explain to the teams that the objective is to invert the pyramid by following specific rules (e.g., only moving one cup at a time).
Start the timer and allow teams to begin inverting the pyramid.
Monitor the teams to ensure they follow the rules.
The activity ends when the pyramid is successfully inverted or the time runs out.
Discuss the strategies used by the teams and the challenges they faced.

The “Reverse Pyramid” activity focuses on strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovative problem solving as employees work together to invert a pyramid of cups by following specific rules, requiring careful planning and coordination. This exercise demonstrates the importance of strategic planning, effective communication, and teamwork in achieving complex goals. By overcoming the challenges of the activity, workers learn to approach problems methodically, think creatively, and collaborate effectively, reinforcing the skills necessary for addressing real-world organizational challenges.

11. Move It! Training Activity:

“Move It!” is an engaging activity where teams must move an object from point A to point B using limited resources. This exercise promotes resourcefulness, teamwork, and creative problem solving.

How to Conduct the “Move It!” Activity:

Select an object and designate a starting point (A) and an endpoint (B).
Divide employees into teams and provide teams with limited resources (e.g., ropes, planks, cardboard).
Explain the objective is to move the object from point A to point B using only the provided resources.
Give teams 10 minutes to plan their strategy.
Start the timer and allow teams to begin moving the object.
Monitor the teams to ensure they use only the provided resources.
The activity ends when the object reaches point B or the time runs out.
Discuss the strategies used by each team and the problem solving processes that they followed.

As employees move an object from point A to point B using limited resources, the "Move It!" activity emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness, creativity, and collaborative problem solving. This activity promotes innovative thinking and efficient resource management by encouraging employees to think creatively. This activity helps teams develop the ability to adapt quickly, think outside the box, and effectively coordinate their efforts to overcome challenges. By engaging in this exercise, employees enhance their problem solving skills and learn to optimize the use of available resources to achieve common goals.

12. Human Knot Training Activity:

“Human Knot” is a classic team-building activity where participants form a human knot by holding hands with two different people across the circle.

How to Conduct the “Human Knot” Activity:

Have employees stand in a circle and extend their right hand to someone across the circle.
Repeat with the left hand, ensuring they hold hands with different people.
Explain the objective is to untangle the human knot without letting go of hands.
Start the timer and allow workers to begin untangling the knot.
Monitor the workers and provide encouragement.
The activity ends when the knot is untangled, or employees return to a single circle.
Discuss the communication and problem solving strategies used by the employees.

The "Human Knot" activity fosters team collaboration and problem solving skills by encouraging employees to communicate effectively and work together to untangle themselves. It highlights the importance of patience, strategic thinking, and collective effort in achieving a common goal. This exercise also builds trust and strengthens interpersonal relationships within the team, essential for seamless teamwork in a professional setting.

13. Dumbest Idea Ever Training Activity:

“Dumbest Idea First” is a brainstorming activity where employees initially suggest the worst possible ideas for problem solving. Activities such as this emphasize on unconventional thinking or “out-of-the-box” thinking, that would help employees to solve complex problems in an efficient manner.

How to Conduct the “Dumbest Idea First” Activity:

Choose a problem or challenge for the brainstorming session.
Provide each worker with a pen and paper.
Explain the objective is to come up with the worst possible ideas to solve the problem.
Start the timer and allow employees to write down their dumbest ideas.
Encourage creativity and humor.
After 10 minutes, have the employee share their ideas with the rest of the group participating in the activity.
Discuss why the ideas are impractical and how they can be improved.
Encourage employees to refine the worst ideas into workable solutions.
Discuss the creative process and the benefits of starting with the worst ideas.

The "Dumbest Idea First" activity encourages creative thinking and open-mindedness by allowing employees to voice unconventional ideas without fear of judgment. It demonstrates the value of a safe and inclusive environment where all suggestions are welcomed, fostering innovation and out-of-the-box solutions. This exercise highlights the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to drive collective problem solving and enhance team creativity.

How Problem Solving Skills Apply to Various Job Functions

1. problem solving skills for marketing teams: .

Marketing teams rely extensively on problem solving skills to navigate critical challenges. One of their primary challenges would be to enhance lead conversions, where strategic analysis of funnel metrics and identification of bottlenecks are of utmost importance. Problem-solving skills enables them to devise tailored campaigns and initiatives that address specific barriers to conversion, thereby optimizing marketing efforts for measurable business impact.

Budget limitations often restrict marketing initiatives and resource allocation. Marketing teams need to creatively optimize spending, prioritize high-impact activities, and find cost-effective solutions to achieve desired outcomes. Problem-solving abilities enable them to analyze budget constraints, explore alternative strategies, negotiate effectively with vendors, and maximize ROI on marketing investments without compromising quality or effectiveness. Edstellar’s Marketing Excellence program is meticulously designed to help organizations maximize reach, drive engagement and nurture long-lasting consumer relationships.

2. Problem Solving Skills for Sales Teams:

Problem-solving skills enable sales professionals to navigate diverse customer needs effectively. Sales professionals often encounter conflicts or disagreements during negotiations or interactions with clients. Advanced problem solving skills enable them to navigate these situations diplomatically, resolve conflicts amicably, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.

Problem-solving skills empower sales professionals to analyze market trends, identify emerging opportunities, and pivot strategies swiftly. Sales teams can utilize their skills to optimize resources effectively. Whether it's time management, budget allocation, or leveraging internal expertise, they can streamline operations and maximize efficiency in achieving sales objectives. Edstellar’s Sales Excellence program offers custom-crafted framework for organizations to amplify sales, expand profits, and enhance customer satisfaction.

3. Problem Solving Skills for Customer Service Teams:

Customer service teams encounter a wide range of customer issues and complaints on a daily basis. Problem-solving skills enable them to quickly analyze the root causes of these issues, identify appropriate solutions, and implement corrective actions.

By resolving issues promptly and effectively, customer service teams enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Not every customer issue can be resolved with a standard response. Problem-solving skills enable customer service teams to assess each situation individually, evaluate options, and tailor solutions to meet the specific needs and preferences of customers.

Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend the company to others, write positive reviews, and become loyal brand advocates. Problem-solving skills thus contribute to enhancing brand reputation and attracting new customers through word-of-mouth referrals. Edstellar’s Customer Service Excellence program is specially designed to improve customer satisfaction for an organization’s products or services.

4. Problem Solving Skills for Human Resources Teams:

HR professionals frequently encounter conflicts among employees or between employees and management. Problem-solving skills equip HR teams to identify the root causes of conflicts, facilitate constructive dialogue, and negotiate mutually beneficial resolutions. Problem-solving skills enable HR professionals to address recruitment challenges, such as skill shortages or competitive hiring markets, by devising innovative sourcing strategies and refining candidate selection processes.

Managing employee performance requires HR teams to address underperformance issues, set clear performance expectations, and provide constructive feedback. Problem-solving skills help HR professionals to assess performance gaps, identify underlying issues, and implement targeted improvement plans.

Problem-solving skills empower HR professionals to address workplace issues affecting morale, such as workload imbalances or communication breakdowns. Edstellar’s Human Resource Excellence program is designed to support organizations to improve employee retention, foster a highly engaged and productive workforce and boost organizational culture.

5. Problem Solving Skills for Operations Teams:

Operations teams are responsible for managing risks associated with supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, or technological failures. Problem-solving skills enable them to anticipate potential risks, develop contingency plans, and swiftly address unforeseen challenges. This proactive risk management minimizes disruptions and ensures business continuity.

Problem solving skills activities facilitate effective collaboration across these functions by fostering clear communication, mutual understanding of objectives, and alignment on strategic priorities. Problem solving skills enable them to assess resource needs, allocate budgets effectively, and optimize the use of manpower and materials. By making informed decisions based on data-driven analysis, operations teams enhance resource utilization and achieve cost savings. Edstellar’s Operations Excellence program empowers organizations to optimize workflows, reduce operational costs, enhance productivity, and ensure swift and efficient decision-making.

6. Problem Solving Skills for Information Technology (IT) Teams:

Problem-solving skills enable IT teams to swiftly diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring seamless operations across the organization. From implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhancing cybersecurity measures, IT teams leverage their problem solving capabilities to drive innovation and stay ahead in the technological space.

By understanding business needs, anticipating future trends, and prioritizing projects, IT teams ensure that their solutions contribute directly to achieving business objectives. These skills would be beneficial for cohesive teamwork, accelerating project delivery, and ensuring that IT solutions meet the diverse needs of the organization. Edstellar’s IT Excellence program is crafted to help organizations with key areas such as cyber security, cloud computing, and data analytics.

As teams journey through problem solving training activities, they will discover the transformative power of practical learning experiences. It is important for employees to immerse themselves in problem solving in games to enhance their critical thinking abilities and collaboration skills. Utilizing best games to improve problem solving skills, during corporate training sessions can significantly enhance participants' ability to think strategically and work collaboratively under pressure.

Organizations can create their own business problem solving activities (corporate problem solving activities conducted for employees) by referring to this blog as examples of problem solving activities and the necessary steps to be taken during and after the events. At Edstellar, we understand the significance of honing problem solving skills in fostering organizational success.

Our courses are meticulously designed to bridge the skill gap and empower individuals to tackle challenges head-on. With a team of experienced trainers conducting problem solving training , team building exercises and guiding them, employees can gain valuable insights and practical strategies to address real-world problems effectively.

By Pete Ford

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18 Fun Leadership Games to Build Skills

By: Grace He | Updated: December 12, 2023

Here is our list of the best leadership games .

Leadership games are fun challenges and activities designed to help players learn essential skills and become better leaders. Examples include 60 seconds story, guess the drawing, and the blindfold game. These games aim to identify potential leaders in a team or help existing leaders develop essential traits like decision-making, trust, and communication.

These games are similar to leadership activities and can help in professional development . Also, the challenges can help participants learn essential leadership skills and become good leaders .

This list includes:

free online leadership games
leadership games for adults
leadership games for employees
workplace leadership games
leadership games for kids
leadership games for high school students
games to build leadership skills
leader games

Here we go!

List of leadership games

Games are fun recreational activities but can also be a great tool to train leaders and build necessary leadership skills. From the tallest tower challenge to guess the emotion, here are fun leadership games to help leaders build skills:

1. Survival Island

Survival island is one of the most fun workplace leadership games. Players will try to find ways to escape an island in the game. Participants must imagine that limited survival items, like water, food, guns, torches, and boats, are available.

The team must agree on a strategy to escape the island without leaving any player behind. Players can appoint a captain to lead the team and assign different roles to teammates. Examples include the player in charge of guns to protect the team from wild animals, night guards, and team members in charge of food and water.

While thinking of a plan, participants will most likely have points of conflict. However, this game tests players’ leadership ability to agree on a strategic survival plan. For a more fun experience, let your group play in different teams. Then you can compare all the teams’ strategies at the end and have non-participating team members vote on the best. This game builds leadership qualities like decision-making, management, and strategic thinking skills. Also, participants will be able to assess each other’s weaknesses and strengths, particularly when assigning roles.

2. Tallest Tower Challenge

The tallest tower challenge is among the most fun leadership games to play with employees. This challenge inspires creativity, strategic planning, and teamwork. To play this game, team members have to work together to build a tower out of items like:

Uncooked spaghetti
Marshmallows

Before the game starts, ensure that you specify the rules and give the participants the needed materials. After building the tower, the goal is to place a marshmallow on top without destroying the structure. The team that makes the highest-standing structure wins the game.

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icebreaker games
bingo cards

3. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are fun games that inspire leaders in a group. Players escaping the room must work together to find clues and solve puzzles. This game is a great way to identify which of your team members have the potential to lead a team. Escape room games also help teammates develop essential leadership skills. While playing, players can exhibit their best management traits, ranging from strong communication to problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, you can use escape rooms to determine the players capable of motivating the entire team while working under pressure.

Here are DIY escape room ideas .

4. Draw Yourself

Draw yourself is one of the most fun leadership games for kids. The idea is for kids to make sketches that best represent their personalities. You can guide the players by asking them to describe themselves in the best way they can. For instance, a kid can say words like “I love dogs” or “I love playing soccer.” Then ask the children to express their likes and dislikes through drawings. Be sure to prepare paper and coloring pencils for the kids.

To further challenge participants, divide the kids into pairs. After, ask pairs to exchange their drawings. The kids will then try to figure out what their partner likes. Based on the sketch, the kids can ask their partners questions like “do you love dogs?” “is that a ball?” and “does that mean you love soccer or own a red ball?”

This game can be a little challenging for younger kids and preschoolers. However, older children will find this game helpful in building their communication and observation skills.

5. Guess the Emotion

If you aim to build empathy in kids, then you can play guess the emotion. You will need printed emotion cards and a band to play this game.

You can follow these steps to play:

Assign numbers to participants in order of how the kids will play
Prepare the emotion cards
Turn the card downs so the kids will not see the emotions on any card
The first player will pick a card without looking at the picture
Assist the player in attaching the card to their forehead with a band
The idea is for other kids, except the player who picked the card, to see the emotion
The player will ask the kids questions that describe the sentiment on the card
After, the player can attempt to guess the emotion

Be sure to instruct the player to refrain from asking questions with specific words like angry, happy, or sad. Instead, the player can ask leading questions like:

Will I feel this way if I lose my favorite toy?
Will I feel this way if I win a soccer match?
Will I feel this way if I get injured?

Then the children will answer “yes” or “no.” The players who guess their emotions correctly in a round win a point. When the game ends, sum up the points and announce the player with the highest score as the winner. As young leaders, this game helps kids understand different situations that can make their friends feel a particular way. In addition, the game helps children communicate their feelings better and build their emotional intelligence.

Here are ways to express empathy at work .

6. 60 Seconds Story

60 seconds story is one of the most exciting free online leadership games. You can play this game on a video conferencing platform or message group with voice note features. First, look for topics your team members can relate to easily. Then let participants take turns recounting a personal experience related to the topic.

Each participant must recount their story or experience within 60 seconds. The story must be clear enough for everyone in the group to understand. You can award points to players who can tell a complete story before time runs out in each round. The player with the most points wins. This game challenges participants to test their communication skills. The game also develops storytelling skills, which is essential for leaders to inspire followers.

7. How Are We Different

How are we different is an exciting game to develop leadership abilities in children. As the name implies, the game requires kids to identify their differences. For instance, the kids can point out differences in hair color, clothing accessories, or height. Being able to recognize individual differences and uniqueness is crucial for leaders.

To play this game, split the kids into teams. Then let the kids communicate and try to figure out simple differences. This exercise is also one of the best free leadership games you can play online. You should send the teams into breakout rooms to enhance their communication. Aside from body features, participants can also figure out differences in work and personal lives. In the end, announce the team that figures out the most differences as the winner.

8. Blindfold Game

The blindfold game is one of the most fun leadership games for adults. The game’s objective is for a blindfolded player to navigate through obstacles in a field successfully.

Find a free space, whether indoors or outdoors
Place items like sticks, folded paper, and chairs to represent the obstacles
Divide the group into teams
Ask each team to present a volunteer who will wear the blindfold and move through the obstacles
The non-blindfolded teammates will act as the volunteer’s eyes and give instructions on free paths to walk through to avoid obstacles
The goal is for the volunteer to reach the finish line without stepping on any obstacles

Also, note how long the volunteers from each team took to reach the finish line. The team whose volunteer took the least time wins. This challenge improves communication, teamwork, and trust, all essential in leadership.

9. Capture the Flag

Capture the flag is a fun sport where two teams compete against one another for a flag.

To play capture the flag:

Divide players into teams of equal numbers
Find an ample space, preferably or field or arena
Divide the space into two equal sections to mark the territories of each team
Give each team a flag to keep in their respective territories
Then a team will try to take possession of their opponent’s flag
A team that successfully brings the opponent’s flag to their own territory while also protecting their flag wins

You should set the rules of the game before playing. For instance, players can “tag” an opponent who steps on their territory. The tagged player can join the opponent team, freeze, or leave the game depending on your game rules. Capture the flag builds critical thinking skills, which is essential while leading. Players can test their leadership skills by building a defense and attack strategy. The best part is that you can play this game indoors or outdoors. For a more fun experience, you can organize the game in a paintball arena.

10. Cross the Bridge

Cross the bridge is one of the most exciting leadership games for employees. The game requires forming a scenario where players are crossing a bridge filled with crocodiles or even lava. Participants can cross the imaginary bridge by stepping on items placed on the floor. Whether you put pieces of wood or stones on the ground, be sure that participants can conveniently stand on the items.

First, divide the group into teams. Then have players in a team stand in a straight line. The first player on the line will act as the leader whose steps the other teammates will follow. The team will start over if a teammate falls into the river. Furthermore, the first team to cross the bridge without falling wins the game. This game stresses the responsibility of leaders in leading a group and the need to think critically.

11. Tug of War

Tug of war is one of the most fun leadership games for work. The game teaches participants essential leadership skills like coordination, alignment, and endurance.

Divide the group into two teams with an equal number of players
Each team will stand in a straight line, facing their opponents
Mark a line between the two teams to define their territory
All participants will hold one long rope
Once the game starts, both teams will pull on the rope to their respective territory’s directions
The team who pulls the opponent into the former’s territory wins the game

Tug of war is a fun game that also depicts leadership realities. Leaders engage in tugs of war with competitors and various challenges in their leadership journey. In this game, the team that aligns their effort by pulling at the same time and angle will likely win. Therefore, the game shows that with coordination and alignment from the entire team, a leader can guide the group to success.

12. Balloon Chain

Balloon chain is one of the most exciting leadership games for high school students. In the game, players will form a chain connected by balloons. Then the team must drop all the balloons inside a basket without breaking the chain.

You can follow these steps to play balloon chain:

Split the group into two or more teams
Ask teammates to stand in a straight line, with a little space between each player
Place a balloon between each teammate
A team will have to move around with the balloons firmly placed between teammates’ chests and back
Players cannot touch the balloons with their until the team is ready to place balloons inside a basket
The first player on the line with hold the basket
Then the teams must walk to the finish line without breaking the chain and having the balloon fall out of place
If the balloon falls, then the team must return to the starting line to begin all over again
Once the team reaches the finish line, the leader must figure out how to drop the basket without breaking the form
Starting from the last teammate on the line, players will take turns passing their balloons to the leader without disrupting the chain
The leader will then throw the balloons inside the basket

The first team to drop all the balloons inside the basket wins. This game stresses how teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking are vital to lead a group. Balloon chain works best for large groups with around five or more players in each team.

13. Guess the Drawing

Guess the drawing is a game that can inspire leaders to build their observation skills. To play this game, divide the group into teams of two players. Also, prepare words or samples of sketches. The two players on a team should stand in a line while facing the same direction.

Next, the last player on the line will use their finger to write a word or draw invisible sketches on the back of the second teammate. On the other hand, the second teammate will try to replicate the invisible sketch on a piece of paper. The teammate who writes out a word or sketch wins a point for the team.

14. Charades

Charades is a popular game to play during an informal gathering with colleagues. While many folks play charades for fun, you can use this game to build your group leadership skills. Rather than having players gesture prompts from popular ideas like movies, songs, or celebrities, give participants scenarios of different situations and challenges in your office. Then each group will take turns acting out and guessing the situations. This game teaches your team how to recognize and handle difficult situations as leaders quickly.

To play this game:

Ask each team to present a volunteer who will act as the actor
Before the game starts, come up with a list of challenges often experienced at work, such as employee burnout, low engagement, and difficult clients
The host should privately assign a challenge or situation to the actor
Then, the actor tries to gesture the situation
To win a point, the actor’s team must guess the situation correctly before the set time runs out
The team can further provide solutions on how to manage the situation
The other teams will also take turns gesturing and guessing assigned situations
In the end, the team with the most points wins

Charades is among the best workplace leadership games. The best part is that you can play charades in person and online. Also, the game can improve employees’ communication and observation skills.

15. Leadership Race

A leadership race is among the best games to play with leaders in an organization. This game lets leaders reflect on their leadership abilities and become aware of weak points to address.

To do a leadership race, first, compile a list of leadership-related prompts, such as

I can motivate my team while working under pressure
I am a good storyteller
I know how to persuade my group to make a critical decision
I get compliments regularly about my communication skills

After, assign a designated caller to read out each prompt. Participants will take a step forward for every relatable prompt. The first player to reach the finish line wins the game.

16. Blindfold Animal Game

Blindfold animal game is one of the best leadership games for kids. The host will assign an animal type to each participant. Once the exercise starts, participants will make sounds imitating their assigned animals. The goal is for participants to find other kids with similar animal types.

You can cover each participant’s eyes with a blindfold to make the game challenging for older kids. Also, set a time limit for participants to find kids with the same animal type. This game helps kids develop active listening skills, which are essential for becoming a good leader. In addition, the game works best for medium to large-sized groups.

17. Water in the Bucket

Water in the bucket is a fun leadership game you and your team will enjoy playing. To play this activity, divide participants into teams. Then set up chairs in straight lines, depending on the number of players on each team. Also, prepare empty buckets for participants. Each team gets to decide on the first teammate to start the game.

Next, let participants sit down on the chairs and hand over a bucket to each player. Then blindfold all participants and fill the bucket of the first players on each team with water. The game’s objective is for the first player to pour the water inside the second player’s bucket without standing up. Next, the second player will repeat the same step to the third player. The water pouring continues until the last player’s bucket becomes filled with water. Chances are that players will spill all the water even before reaching the last player.

In the end, compare the quantity of water each team’s last player has in their buckets. This game reveals a leader’s responsibility to lead a team and must therefore be critical in any decision-making. In the game, the amount of water each player carefully and successfully pours into their teammates’ buckets determines whether or not the team will win.

18. Spot The Difference

Spot the difference is one of the best games to build leadership skills, particularly observation traits, in kids. To play the activity, show participants two versions of the same pictures. The pictures can be of different ideas, ranging from a living room to a busy road.

However, one version of these pictures should have subtle differences. For instance, printed words on both pictures can be different. Also, the pictures may have a similar object with different colors in both versions. The participants have to spot these subtle differences in the pictures. You can let participants know the number of differences to find. The first player who finds all differences wins the game. This leadership game helps kids concentrate better and develop their observation skills.

Playing leadership games is a great way to identify participants capable of leading a team. The games let players channel their unique leadership abilities, such as effective communication, strategic planning, and good observation. Also, you can use these games to train team members or leaders to become better in the leadership field. There are many leadership games to play, with each exercise focusing on different skills. Therefore, if you want to pick a leadership game, then consider the leadership qualities you would love to build. The best part of playing these games is building your team while developing leadership skills.

Next, check out the roles of team building leaders and valuable signs of leadership . You can also check these signs of bad leaders .

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FAQ: Leadership games

Here are answers to questions about leadership games.

What are leadership games?

Leadership games are exercises and challenges that can help leaders develop essential skills like good communication, motivation, and time management. These games are fun to play and help leaders become more effective while carrying out their responsibilities.

What are good games to play with groups of leaders?

Good games to play with a group of leaders include escape rooms, leadership race, capture the flag, charades, tug of war, balloon chain, and tallest tower challenge.

How can games help leaders build skills?

Games help leaders build skills by identifying the areas that the leader needs to improve. A leader will most likely not have every single leadership trait. But by playing games, leaders can identify and improve their weak traits. Also, the games let leaders practice their best skills and perform more effectively in real-life situations.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at teambuilding.com. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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