“But my company is not a playground!”
Trust is the foundation of any successful organization, like a relationship.
Most business owners or CEOs want to have high trust and cooperation among their team members, regardless of the number of them. Great achievements are reached with a great team, right?
Distrust is not just a logistical problem; it is deeply emotional. It erodes the sense of safety and belonging that allows individuals to thrive. Communication becomes guarded, with critical information withheld out of fear or skepticism. Misunderstandings multiply, creating frustration and resentment.
Productivity slows as employees lose motivation or feel micromanaged. Creativity—a cornerstone of innovation—disappears when people are too afraid to share bold ideas or take risks. Employees burn out faster, feeling isolated and unsupported. Over time, the best talent often leaves for healthier environments, leaving behind a team struggling to maintain momentum.
Team spirit? What team spirit? Without trust, building team spirit is like trying to play a board game with a bunch of strangers who don’t speak the same language.
Yet, despite its profound consequences, distrust often goes unaddressed.
The ostrich approach
Now, some might wonder why some company leaders seem to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to trust issues.
- “We don’t have time for this”
In the rush of daily business, addressing trust issues might seem like a luxury they can’t afford. In reality, building trust is critical for long-term success. A lack of trust can reduce productivity, innovation, and employee engagement. - “It’s not my job”
Some might believe that building trust is the responsibility of HR or individual employees, not leadership. This view ignores the fact that leaders play a key role in creating a culture of trust. Leaders’ exemplary behavior and consistency are essential for building organizational trust. - “We can’t measure it, so it doesn’t matter”
Trust can indeed be difficult to quantify, which may lead some leaders to focus on more tangible metrics. Organizations that focus solely on quantifiable metrics risk overlooking critical warning signs. For example: burnout and stress, team dysfunction, cultural erosion
Shifting the mindset
Breaking free from this mindset requires intentional efforts to cultivate trust, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose. One effective approach is implementing team-building activities that encourage employees to connect, communicate, and work together in new ways.
The role of boardgames in team-building
Boardgames are a fun and clever way to break down walls between work groups and help people become friends. They provide a structured yet relaxed environment where individuals can practice teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Even better if it is customized for the company.
- Encouraging collaboration
Cooperative games require players to work together toward a shared goal. These games mirror workplace dynamics by emphasizing the importance of collective effort over individual gain. - Building trust through interaction
Dexterity games such as Crokinole or Carrom, encourage friendly competition while breaking down barriers between colleagues. The tactile nature of these games fosters engagement and creates memorable shared experiences. - Highlighting individual strengths
Strategy games allow players to showcase unique skills—whether it’s analytical thinking or quick decision-making—helping teams appreciate diverse contributions. - Creating shared joy
Lighthearted and easy games spark laughter and foster connection, reminding teams that collaboration can be both productive and fun.
Choose wisely
Choosing the right board games for a team building event is crucial for fostering collaboration, communication, and trust among colleagues.
Consider your team’s needs
- Assess skills to develop: Choose games that target specific skills your team needs to improve, such as communication, problem-solving, or strategic thinking.
- Group Size: Select games that accommodate your team’s size, ensuring everyone can participate actively.
- Easy rules: A team building event isn’t about explaining long and complicated rules, so the easier the rules, the better.
Team-building jolly joker: Dexterity games
Dexterity games stand out for team building due to their unique blend of physical skill and strategic thinking. They offer several benefits:
- Breaking barriers: The tactile nature of these games encourages physical interaction, helping to break down social barriers.
- Instant engagement: Dexterity games like Crokinole, Carrom, or Shuffleboard provide immediate fun and engagement, fostering a relaxed atmosphere.
- Skill development: These games enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can translate to improved precision in work tasks
Implementation Tips
- Variety: Offer a mix of game types to cater to different preferences and skills.
- Time management: Choose games that fit within your event’s schedule.
- Facilitation: Prepare to explain rules clearly and facilitate post-game discussions to reinforce learning.
- Competitive element: Worth to consider organizing a tournament to add excitement, but ensure it remains friendly and inclusive.
How Woodestic games fit into companies
Woodestic goes beyond providing handcrafted games; it offers tools for meaningful team-building experiences. We are committed to creating games that are both fun to play over and over again, and also have easy, simple rules that a 5-year-old can understand.
With guarantees like a 97-year lifetime warranty and scratch-removal services, companies can invest confidently in these durable boards.
These games transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones, helping teams build trust while enjoying themselves. With Woodestic, you’re not just playing; you’re creating bonds that last.
Did you know?
There is a technology that allows us to put any image on the surface of a Crokinole board. This technology allows us to make a custom Crokinole for companies with their logo! We know how important the brand awareness is among the coworkers.
Do you want to know how your logo would look like on a Crokinole board before ordering? Now you can get a visual for FREE!
Simply, upload your logo and we will send your FREE visual in 1-2 days.