Virtual Team Activities
The pandemic challenged me as a manager when my team suddenly went 100% virtual. Fortunately, we already had systems in place, so the work continued without a hitch. However, I could no longer rely on the energy in the room or the organic sharing that happens when people are physically together. Onboarding, spontaneous over-the-shoulder critiques, and observing new, more efficient workflows became harder to manage remotely. I had developed a knack for setting the tone in the office, responding to my team’s needs in real-time, but now we’d gone from working together to working alone.
I quickly established two weekly recurring morning meetings. One was dedicated to play, practicing vulnerability, and deepening our connections with each other. The other focused on sharing workflows, best practices, and tips. The key was that while I would set the tone, everyone was expected to take ownership and lead in this space.
Years later, my team has evolved, but these meetings have remained a steady rhythm. The team looks forward to them each week, and everyone gets a chance to shape the experience. Here are a few of my favorites.
Note: These meetings hold usually 10 people and are held in the mornings on Tuesday (15mins) and Thursday (30mins)
Collaborative Haiku
Directions:
Give a theme (example: Spring)
Ordered participants
Assigned a syllable count to everyone in the meeting according to order
Give 2-3 minutes for the group to write their lines and chat host privately
Host compiled haiku (I have found no matter the order, the poems are always delightful)
Read it back
Optional - Have the team illustrate or find an image/meme online that represents the poem / Share it corporate-wide.
Messaging: We are one part of a larger team. We may be working alone in our homes — but we are still a part of something bigger! We often work on the same projects separately - and it is a joy to see them come together.
Draw this then that
Materials: Paper + pen
Directions:
Everyone draw a circle
Now draw a square
Now draw a triangle
Now make it into a monster!
(Everyone will have the same shapes integrated into something completely different)
Drawing 2 (if time allows and now that you are all warmed up)
Let’s do a still life. Take something near you—draw it
Now make it into a monster!
Goal: Creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable being creative in front of each other and with each other. This exercise also requires flexibility to change course and create something new. When in person, I like asking people to exchange their papers with a neighbor.
Soul sandwich (or other thing; soup/salad/pasta) (drawing)
Materials: Paper + pen
Directions:
Draw the essence of your person as a _________!
Share your drawing to your corporate chat platform of choice.
Goal: goofy, fun, but also we get to know each other better :)
“Drunk” Portraits
Materials: Paper + pencil (I like to ask the team to use big markers)
Directions: Draw a teammate (You can pre-pair people up if desired)
Rules:
Don’t look at your paper, don’t lift your pen off the paper at all - Only look at the person you are drawing!
Have them draw for about a minute - then share!
Repeat
Goal: Creating a safe environment where people feel comfortable being creative in front of each other and with each other. This activity is also great for folks who are not “artists”. I have found this is a level playfield for teams who have artists and non“artists”.
Team disco
Prep: Pick a song that has a nice beat, and be prepared to share your audio so the team can hear the music.
Directions:
Everyone gets to make one dance move. Give the team a moment to think about their move.
Optional: provide a prompt for additional team insight ex. What do you do in your spare timeHave each person showcase their move, its name, and what it represents (while others practice alongside)
Chain them together as you go through the participants (2 measures is about right)
Run through the team twice
By the end, you have a full dance routine!
Goal: Get everyone out of their chair and create a great team dance. It also creates an opportunity for each individual to lead the team. Psychologically when people are doing the same thing at the same time there is a bond and a unity formed within the group.
Want more? I have a list a mile long, and exercises that are more suited for larger teams. Let’s grab a virtual coffee, I’d love to learn more about your team and what you’re hoping to accomplish together.