40 Best Leadership Activities & Games for work

Looking for leadership activities that will make your team grow professionally instead of making them cringe? You're not alone. When someone mentions "leadership training", or “leadership activities”, most people picture death-by-PowerPoint or role-playing sessions we all hate. But at TeamOut we tell you like it is: effective (and well planned!) leadership development is crucial, especially when 60% of new managers fail within their first two years, according to Forbes. 

Leadership skills aren't simply something that’s nice-to-have. In fact, they're directly tied to your bottom line. According to DDI, less than 30% of leaders have received training specific to each of the top five skills needed for leader success. Plus, as stated by Training Magazine, high-performing companies prioritize leadership training with a focus on character development, while low-performing companies are more likely to offer no character development at all.

So how do you bridge the gap between boring training sessions and real results? That's where TeamOut’s curated list of 40 powerful leadership activities comes in.

In this guide, you'll discover:

• Engaging exercises that build practical leadership skills

• Activities tailored for both in-person and remote teams

• Clear, step-by-step instructions you can start implementing today

• Real-world examples from companies that have successfully used these techniques

Whether you're working on developing new managers or strengthening your executive team, these activities are designed to create lasting change within your company – effortless, positive change. With a focus on tested practical activities instead of just theories, we’ll help you with clear instructions and, of course, include remote-friendly options. Ready to transform your leadership development approach?

What Are Leadership Activities?

Leadership activities, as the name suggests, are dynamic, purposeful exercises designed to transform what you see as potential into powerful leadership skills. Unlike traditional team-building events, those outdoor activities and indoor games & challenges we all know and love, leadership activities are strategic experiences that deliberately develop core leadership competencies and go way beyond surface-level bonding.

What Makes Them Unique?

Leadership activities are carefully crafted experiences that target specific skills like:

• Problem-solving on the spot
• Active listening at all times
• Effective communication between employees
• Conflict resolution (even under pressure)
• Strategic decision-making

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Development of Real-World Skills

Think of these activities as if they are a leadership's version of training camp. Instead of lectures, participants actively engage in challenges like:

• Escape room simulations
• Shark tank-style pitch competitions
• Complex problem-solving scenarios

But what’s the goal? How will this make your employees become better leaders? By giving emerging leaders practical tools they can apply in real workplace situations, they develop a quicker thinking process and improve their decision-making talents.

According to the Journal of Applied Psychology, employees who underwent leadership training (which includes leadership games and challenges) improved their learning capacity by 25% and their performance by 20%. By creating low-stakes environments where employees can experiment, fail, and learn, they build confidence and competence simultaneously.

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What Are Leadership Activities Used for?

Believe us when we say: if companies shell out big bucks for leadership training, that’s because it pays off. Leadership activities are the key for transforming good managers into great leaders. Let's break down the real-world impact below:

According to DDI’s research, companies offering leadership development at all levels are 54% more likely to be top financial performers in their industry.

The same study concluded that teams with leaders who completed targeted training saw employee turnover drop from 20.4% to just 4.8%4.

It’s safe to say that leadership activities translate directly to workplace wins:

• Improved team communication

• Faster conflict resolution

• More innovative problem-solving

• Increased employee engagement and retention

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Investing in leadership development is a smart business move. Companies see major ROI through:

• Reduced turnover costs

• Increased sales and productivity

• A stronger leadership pipeline for future success

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The following activities are your secret weapon for building a dream team that crushes goals and elevates your company’s success.

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Our list of the 40 Best leadership activities

Team Building Leadership Activities

1. Plane Crash Survival

Plane Crash Survival is a catchy activity that challenges teams to think critically and work together in a high-stakes scenario. Participants must work together, prioritize resources, and make strategic decisions, which will ultimately foster leadership skills and team cohesion.

Step-by-step Instruction:

1. Divide participants into small groups of 4-6 people
2. Present the plane crash scenario and provide a list of office items
3. Give teams 15-20 minutes to select and rank their top 10 survival items
4. Have each team present their choices and reasoning
5. Discuss the decisions made and leadership dynamics observed

Group size: 8-30 participants

Materials: List of office items (e.g., paper clips, staplers, water bottles), paper, and pens for each team

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual whiteboards for item selection and video conferencing, like Zoom, for presentations

Why it works: Promotes critical thinking, decision-making, and natural leadership emergence.

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2. Blindfolded Obstacle Course

The Blindfolded Obstacle Course is a trust-building exercise that improves communication skills and leadership abilities. Participants navigate challenges and overcome obstacles while relying on their teammates' guidance. This is a game that promotes trust and effective communication while bringing your team together.

Step-by-step Instruction:

1. Set up a simple obstacle course in an open area in the workplace or outdoors
2. Pair participants and designate one as the guide and one as blindfolded
3. Allow 5 minutes for guides to lead their partners through the course
4. Switch roles and repeat the exercise
5. Gather feedback on the experience

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: Blindfolds, various objects for obstacles (chairs, boxes, cones)

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Create a virtual maze using online tools, with one participant describing the path to another

Why it works: It’s an activity that builds trust, improves communication, and develops leadership skills.

3. Leadership Role Reversal

Leadership Role Reversal offers a perspective-shifting experience that builds empathy and understanding between leaders and team members. It’s an excellent way for everyone to have a brand-new vision of what each position implies. This activity provides valuable insights into different roles within the organization.

Step-by-step Instruction:

1. Pair leaders with team members for role swaps
2. Brief participants on rules and expectations
3. Conduct the role reversal for a full workday
4. Host a reflection session to share experiences
5. Discuss how the exercise can improve team dynamics and leadership.

Group size: Any size, but works best with 10-50 participants

Materials: Clear guidelines for role responsibilities, reflection worksheets

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Virtual shadowing and task exchanges via video calls and collaborative tools

Why it works: Enhances empathy and improves communication.

4. Build a Tower Challenge

The Build a Tower Challenge is a hands-on activity that encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and teamwork. In this challenge, employees must work as a team to construct the tallest free-standing tower, showcasing leadership and problem-solving skills.

Step-by-step Instruction:

1. Divide participants into groups of 3-5 people
2. Provide each group with identical building materials
3. Set a time limit (15-20 minutes) for tower construction
4. Measure and compare the towers' heights
5. Discuss strategies used and leadership roles that emerged

Group size: 9-30 participants

Materials: Building materials (e.g., newspapers, tape, straws, marshmallows)

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual building tools or have remote participants work in groups to build the tallest tower.

Why it works: Promotes creativity, strategic planning, and natural leadership emergence. 

Decision-Making Leadership Activities

5. Desert Survival

Desert Survival is an immersive challenge that puts teams in a survival scenario where they must think on their feet. As participants imagine being stranded in a desert, they must work together to evaluate and prioritize essential items for survival. This activity is fantastic to enhance collaboration but also sharpens critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure.

Step-by-step Instruction:

1. Divide participants into small groups of 4-6 people
2. Present the desert survival scenario and provide a list of available items
3. Give teams 15 minutes to select and rank their top 5 survival items
4. Have each team present their choices
5. Discuss the decisions made and leadership skills observed

Group size: 8-30 participants

Materials: List of survival items (e.g., water bottle, compass, map, flashlight), paper, and pens for each team

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual collaboration tools for item selection and video conferencing for presentations

Why it works: Promotes quick decision-making and prioritization skills in a pressure situation.

6. The Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats technique encourages participants to approach problems from multiple perspectives, promoting a comprehensive analysis instead of narrow thinking. This activity develops versatile leadership skills and promotes innovative problem-solving.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Introduce the six thinking hats concept and their meanings
2. Present a problem or decision to be analyzed
3. Guide the group through each "hat" perspective, allowing 5-10 minutes per hat
4. Encourage participants to share insights from each perspective
5. Discuss how it impacts the final decision.

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: Six colored hats or hat images (white, red, black, yellow, green, blue), problem statement handouts

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual hat icons and online whiteboards for collaborative analysis

Why it works: Promotes diverse viewpoints and balanced decision-making.

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7. Impact and Effort Matrix

The Impact and Effort Matrix is a visual tool that helps teams prioritize projects or ideas based on their potential impact and required effort to achieve said impact. This activity develops strategic thinking and resource allocation skills that are important for effective leadership.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Draw a large 2x2 matrix on a whiteboard or flipchart
2. Label the axes: Impact (low to high) and Effort (low to high)
3. Provide participants with a list of projects or ideas
4. Have teams discuss and plot each item on the matrix
5. Facilitate a group discussion on prioritization and resource allocation based on this matrix

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: Large whiteboard or flipchart, markers, sticky notes, list of projects or ideas

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use online collaborative tools like Miro or Mural to create a virtual matrix

Why it works: It develops strategic thinking and helps leaders make informed choices about resource allocation.

8. Phonebooth

Phonebooth is a problem-solving activity that plays with creativity and encourages teams to think independently before collaborating. This exercise develops innovative thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills under constraints.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into small teams of 3-4 people
2. Assign each team a "phonebooth" space and present a common problem
3. Give teams 15 minutes to brainstorm solutions independently
4. Bring all teams together to share their solutions
5. Facilitate a group discussion on the most effective ideas and how to develop them

Group size: 9-24 participants

Materials: Designated "phonebooth" spaces, flipcharts, markers, problem statement handouts

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for individual team brainstorming, then reconvene in the main virtual room (on Zoom, for instance)

Why it works: Stimulates problem solving and decision-making under constraints while promoting independent thinking.

Leadership Communication Activities

9. Debate Tournament

A Debate Tournament is a dynamic activity that challenges participants to argue leadership-related topics, developing two essential skills: critical communication and reasoning abilities. This structured debate format promotes quick thinking and fosters respect for diverse perspectives.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into teams of 2-3 people
2. Assign debate topics related to leadership
3. Give teams 20 minutes to prepare their arguments
4. Conduct debates with each team presenting arguments and rebuttals
5. Have a panel of judges or peer voting to determine winners

Group size: 8-24 participants

Materials: Timer, debate topic cards, notepads, pens

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use video conferencing platforms with breakout rooms for preparation and main room for debates

Why it works: Develops reasoning skills and encourages respect for different viewpoints.

10. Active Listening Challenge

The Active Listening Challenge is designed to sharpen participants' ability to truly hear and comprehend information, an essential skill for effective leadership. This activity highlights the importance of focused attention and retention in communication, which is the reason it is a popular choice.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Select a volunteer to read a story to the group (previously prepared)
2. Instruct the audience to listen carefully without taking notes
3. After the presentation, randomly select audience members to recall specific facts
4. Discuss the challenges of active listening and its importance in leadership
5. Provide tips for improving active listening skills

Group size: 10-30 participants

Materials: Prepared story with specific details, list of questions about the story

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use screen sharing for visual stories or pre-recorded audio for listening exercises on Zoom

Why it works: Improves information retention and emphasizes the importance of attentiveness in leadership.

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11. Concentric Circles Communication

Concentric Circles Communication is a large group exercise that promotes active listening and effective communication. During this challenge, participants practice both speaking and observing, providing a well-rounded communication experience.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Arrange chairs in two concentric circles, facing each other
2. Assign roles: inner circle as "talkers," outer circle as "watchers"
3. Provide a topic for discussion (5 minutes)
4. Have talkers discuss while watchers observe and take notes
5. Switch roles and repeat with a new topic
6. Conclude with a debrief about the experience

Group size: 12-40 participants

Materials: Chairs, notepads, pens, topic cards

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for paired discussions, then return to main room for observation and reflection

Why it works: Promotes empathy in communication and enhances observation abilities.

12. Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truth And A Lie is an excellent team-building icebreaker for a newly formed team, or if you are welcoming one or more new members to your crew. Each person shares two true statements and one lie about themselves, while the rest of the group guesses which one is the lie. This simple game ignites conversation, encourages active listening, and helps team members learn more about each other..It's an effective game that helps your team bond over surprising (or sneaky!) fun facts about their colleagues!

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Split into teams
2. Each team creates three sets of “Two Truths and a Lie”. Be creative
3. Teams present their statements, and the opposing team guesses the lie and defends their choices
4. The presenting team has the chance to defend their lie
5. Keep a lively scorecard throughout the game

Group size: Up to 30 participants

Materials: No materials needed

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use a virtual platform to play this game

‍Why it works: It’s an interactive activity and a fun, effective way to get to know each other.

Leadership Conflict Resolution Activities

13. Conflict Confessions

Conflict Confessions is an introspective activity that incentivizes leaders and team members to share and learn from past conflicts. This exercise promotes honest self-reflection, improves communication, and helps participants develop better conflict resolution strategies.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into small groups of 4-6 people
2. Each person shares a past conflict experience, addressing key points
3. Group members ask clarifying questions and offer their insights
4. Facilitate a discussion on common themes and lessons learned
5. Conclude with strategies for better conflict management

Group size: 8-24 participants

Materials: Notepads, pens, conflict reflection guide (if you have one)

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for small group discussions and shared documents for note-taking

Why it works: Encourages self-reflection and improves communication skills.

14. Rotate Debates

Rotate Debates is a fast-paced exercise that challenges participants to argue from multiple perspectives on a given topic. This activity develops empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to consider various angles of a conflict or situation (which is often part of the job).

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into two groups and present a debate topic
2. Assign initial positions to each group (for or against)
3. Allow 5 minutes for teams to prepare initial arguments
4. Conduct a 5-minute debate round
5. Switch sides and repeat steps 3-4 twice more
6. Reflect on the experience

Group size: 10-20 participants

Materials: Timer, debate topic cards, notepads

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual breakout rooms for team preparations and main room for debates

Why it works: Develops empathy for different perspectives and enhances critical thinking.

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15. Problem-Solving Circle

The Problem-Solving Circle is a collaborative activity that encourages active listening and respectful problem-solving. Participants work together to address a conflict scenario, and then proceed to analyze all viewpoints and reach a conclusion.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Arrange participants in a circle and present a conflict scenario
2. Each person shares their initial thoughts on the problem
3. Facilitate a group discussion to brainstorm potential solutions
4. Encourage building on others' ideas and respectful disagreement
5. Guide the group towards a consensus: What’s the best solution?
6. Reflect on the problem-solving process

Group size: 8-15 participants

Materials: Conflict scenario cards, whiteboard or flipchart, markers

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual whiteboards for collaborative video conferencing for discussions

Why it works: Promotes respect for diverse opinions and develops collaborative problem-solving skills.

16. Consensus Building Exercise

The Consensus Building Exercise challenges small groups to navigate an intriguing scenario by working together to reach an agreeable solution they all agree with. This activity develops negotiation skills, active listening, and the ability to compromise.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into groups of 4-6 people
2. Present each group with a complex conflict scenario
3. Allow 10 minutes for individual brainstorming of solutions
4. Groups discuss all proposed solutions (20 minutes)
5. Guide groups to negotiate and reach consensus on one solution
6. Each group presents their solution and consensus-building process

Group size: 12-30 participants

Materials: Conflict scenario handouts, notepads, pens, timer

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for group discussions

Why it works: Improves negotiation skills, encourages equal participation, and develops the ability to find common ground in conflicts.

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Leadership Activities For Personal Development

17. Daily Reflection Exercise

The Daily Reflection Exercise is a powerful tool used for personal development which helps leaders process experiences, learn from challenges, and align their actions with long-term goals. This structured practice enhances self-awareness and reduces stress.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Set aside 10-15 minutes at the end of each day
2. Review the day's experiences and challenges
3. Write down key lessons learned
4. Reflect on how daily actions align with long-term goals
5. Process emotions and write down areas for improvement
6. Set intentions for the next day

Group size: Individual activity

Materials: Journal or reflection app, pen

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use digital journaling tools or reflection apps

Why it works: Enhances self-awareness and promotes continuous learning.

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18. Leadership Pizza Self-Assessment

The Leadership Pizza Self-Assessment is a visual and uncommon way for leaders to evaluate their skills, set growth goals, and track progress over time. This activity promotes self-reflection and targeted personal development.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Draw a large circle and divide it into 8-10 slices
2. Label each slice with a key leadership skill or attribute
3. Rate current proficiency in each area (center = low, edge = high)
4. Connect the points to create a "leadership pizza"
5. Identify areas for improvement and set growth goals
6. Repeat assessment from time to time to track progress

Group size: Individual or small groups of 5-10

Materials: Large paper, colored markers, leadership competency list

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use online drawing tools or digital templates

Why it works: Provides a clear visual representation of leadership skills and tracks personal growth.

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19. SMART Goal Setting

SMART Goal Setting is a very clear and structured approach to personal development that helps leaders and other employees create achievable objectives for growth. This method ensures goals are well-defined and progress is easily measurable.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Identify areas for personal or professional growth
2. Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
3. Write down each SMART goal and the steps to achieve it
4. Set regular check-in points to review progress
5. Adjust goals as needed (circumstances might change)
6. Celebrate achievements and set new goals

Group size: Individual or pairs

Materials: SMART goal worksheet, pens, calendar

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use shared online documents or goal-tracking apps

Why it works: Provides a clear framework for setting and achieving personal development goals.

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20. Feedback and Mentorship Journey

The Feedback and Mentorship Journey is a comprehensive approach to leadership development that combines active feedback-seeking, mentorship, and continuous learning from the employees with the help of the leaders themselves. This ongoing process accelerates personal growth and improves leadership effectiveness.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Develop a feedback-seeking strategy, like monthly check-ins with your team
2. Identify potential mentors or coaches in your field
3. Create a personal learning plan, which might include workshops, courses or a reading list
4. Implement a daily mindfulness practice (5-10 minutes)
5. Schedule regular reflection sessions to integrate learnings

Group size: Individual, with involvement from team and mentor

Materials: Feedback forms, learning plan template, mindfulness app

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual mentoring platforms, online courses, and digital feedback tools

Why it works: Combines growth strategies to accelerate leadership development.

Leadership Training Activities For Building a Positive Work Climate

21. Team Reflection Workshop

The Team Reflection Workshop is a weekly session that promotes open communication between all team members, collaborative problem-solving, and collective goal-setting. This activity enhances team cohesion and promotes continuous improvement.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Schedule a weekly 60-minute team meeting (depending on your team size)
2. Begin with a brief icebreaker or check-in
3. Each team member shares accomplishments and challenges
4. Facilitate a group discussion on areas for improvement
5. Encourage constructive feedback among team members 
6. Collectively set goals for the upcoming week

Group size: 5-12 team members

Materials: Whiteboard or digital collaboration tool, timer, goal-tracking sheet

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use video conferencing and virtual whiteboards.

Why it works: Promotes regular communication and builds team accountability.

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22. Purpose and Values Alignment Exercise

This exercise helps teams connect their daily work with the organization's broader mission, promoting a sense of purpose and shared values within the team. It encourages useful discussions about individual and collective contributions.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Present the organization's core values and mission statement
2. Divide participants into small groups of 3-4
3. Groups discuss their interpretations of each value
4. Individuals reflect on how their work aligns with these values
5. Teams share examples of values and set goals
6. Create a visual representation of team-value connections

Group size: 6-24 participants

Materials: Organization's value statements, paper, markers

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms and collaborative online tools like Miro or Mural

Why it works: Strengthens connection to organizational purpose and aligns individual efforts with the company’s objectives.

23. Trust-Building Communication Challenge

This challenge aims to build psychological safety within teams by encouraging open communication and active listening between every member. It helps employees understand different perspectives and build stronger relationships with each other. It’s especially effective in small teams.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Pair participants and designate Speaker and Listener roles
2. Provide a list of trust-building questions or topics
3. Speakers share for 3 minutes while Listeners practice active listening
4. Listeners summarize what they heard
5. Switch roles and repeat steps 3-4
6. Debrief as a group

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: List of trust-building questions, timer, reflection worksheets

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for paired discussions, then return to main room for group debrief

Why it works: Builds psychological safety, improves active listening skills, and fosters empathy among team members.

24. Strengths Recognition Workshop

The Strengths Recognition Workshop helps team members identify and appreciate each other's talents. This activity promotes a positive team culture and encourages collaborative skill development between all the employees.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Participants complete a strengths assessment prior to the workshop
2. Each person shares their top 3-5 strengths with the group
3. Team members offer examples of how they've seen these strengths in action
4. Discuss how individual talents contribute to team success
5. Create a team strengths map for future reference

Group size: 5-15 participants

Materials: Strengths assessment tools, paper, sticky notes

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use online strength assessments and virtual collaboration tools

Why it works: Boosts team morale and encourages peer recognition.

Collaborative Leadership Activities

25. Vision Board Workshop

The Vision Board Workshop is an excellent activity to help leaders visually articulate and align their collective goals and future aspirations. This is a creative exercise that transforms abstract objectives (vague and subjective) into tangible visual representations.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Provide materials for creating vision boards
2. Introduce the purpose of collective visioning
3. Allow individual time for board creation
4. Have participants share their boards with the group
5. Facilitate a discussion on shared themes and collective goals
6. Create a unified team vision board

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: Poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue, markers

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use digital collaboration tools like Miro or Canva

Why it works: Promotes shared vision, encourages creative thinking, and facilitates discussion on future goals.

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26. Idea Incubator

The Idea Incubator is a smart way to create a supportive environment for leaders to collaboratively develop innovative solutions, fostering a culture of open communication that involves collective creativity.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Present a challenge your company is currently facing
2. Divide participants into small groups
3. Conduct a brainstorming session 
4. Rotate groups to build on previous ideas
5. Develop and refine potential solutions
6. Present top ideas to the full group

Group size: 8-24 participants

Materials: Whiteboard, sticky notes, markers

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual brainstorming platforms

Why it works: Builds collective creativity and strengthens collaborative problem-solving.

27. Trust Trek Challenge in Pairs

The Trust Trek in Pairs is a guided blindfolded obstacle course that can take place outdoors and that challenges leaders to rely on each other, building trust and communication skills through a physical and emotional experience.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Set up a safe obstacle course
2. Pair participants (one blindfolded, one guide)
3. Guides verbally navigate blindfolded partners through the course
4. Switch roles after completing the course
5. Debrief and discuss trust-building insights

Group size: 6-20 participants

Materials: Blindfolds, various obstacles, safety equipment

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Create virtual trust-building exercises using online platforms

Why it works: Builds trust, enhances communication, and promotes interdependence.

28. Leadership Storytelling Workshop

The Leadership Storytelling Workshop helps leaders develop their ability to inspire and motivate through effective narrative techniques and storytelling. This activity improves everyone’s communication skills and helps leaders connect with their teams on a deeper level.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Introduce the elements of effective storytelling
2. Participants brainstorm personal leadership experiences
3. Leaders craft short stories about challenges they've overcome
4. Break into small groups to share and refine stories
5. Present refined stories to the larger group
6. Provide peer feedback and discuss storytelling impact

Group size: 8-20 participants

Materials: Notepads, pens

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for small group work and digital storytelling tools

Why it works: Improves communication skills, builds emotional connections, and enhances leadership presence.

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29. Ethical Decision-Making Scenarios

Ethical Decision-Making Scenarios challenges leaders and leaders-to-be to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, promoting thoughtful decision-making while aligning actions with organizational values.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Present a series of ethical scenarios relevant to your industry
2. Divide participants into small groups
3. Groups decide on a course of action for each scenario
4. Each group presents their decisions and thoughts behind it
5. Facilitate a larger group discussion on ethical considerations

Group size: 10-30 participants

Materials: Ethical scenario cards, decision-making framework handouts

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual breakout rooms and collaborative documents

Why it works: Develops critical thinking skills and prepares leaders for real-world ethical challenges.

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30. Night Trail Course

The Night Trail Course is an exhilarating team-building challenge that tests trust and communication. In this activity, participants navigate a series of obstacles while following a rope, relying on their teammates for guidance. This outdoor adventure fosters leadership and support as everyone works together to overcome hurdles like tires and cargo nets.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Set up an obstacle course using tires, cargo nets, and other creative obstacles.
2. Divide participants into teams of up to 15 
3. Blindfold all team members except one who will hold the rope
4. The team must guide the blindfolded participants through the course using verbal instructions
5. If a participant touches an obstacle, they must return to the start and switch roles

Group size: Up to 15 participants per facilitator

Materials: Blindfolds, ropes, various obstacles (tires, cargo nets), safety equipment

Hybrid/remote adaptations: For remote teams, use virtual reality tools or online simulations that focus on d trust-building

Why it works: Builds trust among team members, promotes interdependence, and develops understanding among leaders.

Inspirational Leadership Activities

31. Thirty Seconds Left

Thirty Seconds Left is a reflective activity where employees are encouraged to share their most meaningful life experiences with a certain level of detail, fostering deeper connections and empathy within the team.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Introduce the concept and give participants 5 minutes to reflect on their lives
2. Ask them to choose their most significant moment and talk about it for 30 seconds
3. Divide into small groups of 4-5 people
4. Each person shares their 30-second story with their group
5. Groups discuss common themes

Group size: 8-30 participants

Materials: Timer, reflection worksheets

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use breakout rooms for small group sharing and digital whiteboards for theme collection

Why it works: Builds empathy and creates deeper connections among team members.

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32. Leaders You Admire

Leaders You Admire is a crowd-pleasing activity that prompts participants to explore and discuss admirable leadership qualities, inspiring them to develop these traits in their own leadership style.

Step-by-step:

1. Participants individually list 3-5 leaders they admire
2. Form small groups of 4-5 people
3. Groups discuss their chosen leaders and select one to present 
4. Each group presents their chosen leader to the larger group
5. Facilitate a discussion on common traits identified
6. Participants set personal goals to develop one admired trait

Group size: 12-25 participants

Materials: Notepads, pens, flipchart or whiteboard

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use collaborative online tools for group discussions and presentations

Why it works: Encourages dialogue about values and inspires positive leadership development.

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33. Corporate Commitment Game

The Corporate Commitment Game is a collaborative exercise that aligns individual efforts with organizational goals. In this game, teams work together to define purposes and goals for the short and long run. It’s an activity that fosters a sense of shared purpose and accountability among team members.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Present the organization's current objectives and challenges
2. Divide participants into small teams of 3-4 people
3. Teams brainstorm actionable goals
4. Each team presents their top 2-3 goals to the larger group
5. Facilitate a group discussion to refine and prioritize goals
6. Individuals commit to specific actions supporting those goals

Group size: 9-36 participants

Materials: Flip charts, markers

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual whiteboards for brainstorming

Why it works: Fosters accountability, promotes shared purpose, and inspires individual ownership of organizational goals.

34. Leadership Escape Room Challenge

The Leadership Escape Room Challenge is an immersive, interactive experience designed to develop leadership skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Participants must work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges that require strategic thinking and collaboration to "escape" within a set time limit.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Create a storyline for the escape room, like “You are trapped in a corporate office and must solve leadership challenges to escape”. Designate an area as the escape room with puzzles and clues
2. Split participants into small teams of 4-6 people
3. Provide each team with a series of clues or puzzles that relate to leadership skills, such as communication challenges or ethical dilemmas
4. Give teams 45 minutes to solve all puzzles and escape the room
5. Gather all participants for a debriefing session where teams discuss their strategies, what worked well, and areas for improvement

Group size: 12-30 participants

Materials: Puzzles, clues, timer

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Create a virtual escape room using online tools with interactive puzzles and breakout rooms for team collaboration

Why it works: Fosters teamwork under pressure, and encourages creative thinking.

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Leadership Activities For Students

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35. Human Knot

The Human Knot is a standout Office Olympics idea, since it’s a dynamic, physical activity that challenges participants to stand in a circle and grab hands with two different people, creating a "human knot". The goal is to untangle the knot without letting go of hands. This game can be played indoors or outdoors and it’s a fantastic way to foster teamwork, and improve communication and creative thinking.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Form a circle with 8-20 participants standing shoulder to shoulder
2. Each person reaches across and grasps the hands of two different people
3. The group must untangle themselves without letting go of hands
4. If the knot seems impossible, allow one hand disconnect and reconnect

Group size: 8-20 participants

Materials: None required

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use a virtual team-building platform with similar problem-solving challenges

Why it works: Promotes creative problem-solving and builds team cohesion through a physical challenge.

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36. Leadership Bingo

Leadership Bingo is an interactive game that helps participants identify and recognize key leadership qualities in action, reinforcing understanding of effective leadership traits.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Create bingo cards with leadership qualities in each square
2. Distribute cards and markers to all participants
3. Present leadership scenarios or examples
4. Participants mark off qualities they observe in the scenarios
5. The first person to complete a row calls "Bingo"
6. Continue to play and discuss less obvious leadership traits

Group size: 10-50 participants

Materials: Custom leadership bingo cards, markers, scenario list

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use online bingo card generators and video conferencing for remote play

Why it works: Develops awareness of leadership attributes and promotes discussion of leadership in practice.

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37. Paper Bag Dramatics

Paper Bag Dramatics is a creative exercise that challenges teams to collaboratively write, tell, and perform a story using random objects. It’s an activity that fosters innovation and promotes teamwork.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Prepare paper bags with 5-7 random objects each
2. Divide participants into teams of 4-6 people
3. Give each team a paper bag and 15 minutes to create a short performance
4. Teams must incorporate all objects into their story
5. Each team presents their performance to the group
6. Facilitate a discussion about the performance

Group size: 12-36 participants

Materials: Paper bags, assorted random objects

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual breakout rooms and have participants gather their own random objects

Why it works: Improves collaborative storytelling and develops improvisational leadership skills.

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38. Global Crisis Simulator

The Global Crisis Simulator challenges participants to collaboratively address and try to find a solution for complex international challenges. For that, developing strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills is crucial.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Divide participants into multinational teams
2. Present a complex global scenario (humanitarian crisis, economic challenge)
3. Teams have 30 minutes to develop a response strategy
4. Each team creates a presentation of their solution
5. Teams present and receive peer feedback
6. Facilitate a discussion on collaborative leadership

Group size: 12-36 participants

Materials: Scenario cards, presentation tools, global maps

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual collaboration platforms

Why it works: Develops cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills.

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39. Leadership Time Capsule

The Leadership Time Capsule is a reflective activity where participants document their current leadership journey and aspirations for future growth. There are many ways to do so, from journaling to a Canva presentation. It can be shared or kept for oneself. 

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Provide participants with paper and pens
2. Guide them through documenting current leadership challenges
3. Have participants write letters to their future selves
4. Create a collective team vision board
5. Seal the time capsule to be opened in 1-2 years
6. Discuss personal and collective leadership growth

Group size: 8-25 participants

Materials: Writing materials, sealed container, vision board supplies

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Create a digital time capsule platform

Why it works: Encourages self-reflection, goal-setting, and long-term leadership development.

40. Empathy Immersion Experience

The Empathy Immersion Experience challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones and understand different perspectives through planned role-playing scenarios.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Assign participants different roles and backgrounds
2. Present complex workplace scenarios with multiple perspectives
3. Participants navigate these scenarios from their assigned perspectives
4. Conduct small group discussions about challenges encountered
5. Rotate roles
6. Debrief on empathy, understanding, and inclusive leadership

Group size: 10-30 participants

Materials: Role cards, scenario descriptions, reflection worksheets

Hybrid/remote adaptations: Use virtual role-playing platforms

Why it works: Develops emotional intelligence, promotes understanding, and enhances inclusive leadership skills.

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How to measure What Matters ?

1. Assessment Techniques

Assessment techniques are methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of leadership activities. Common techniques include:

• 360-Degree Feedback: Collects feedback from various sources, including peers, supervisors, and direct reports, providing a complete view of a leader's performance.
• Self-Assessments: Leaders reflect on their own skills and areas for improvement, promoting self-awareness.
• Behavioral Observations: Evaluators observe leaders in action during activities to assess their skills in real-time.

2. Success Metrics

Success metrics are quantifiable indicators that help measure the effectiveness of leadership development initiatives. Examples include:

• Employee Engagement Scores: Higher scores indicate effective leadership that fosters a positive work environment.
• Team Performance Metrics: Improvements in team productivity or project completion rates can signal successful leadership.
• Retention Rates: Lower turnover rates often reflect strong leadership and employee satisfaction.

3. Progress Tracking

Progress tracking involves monitoring changes over time to assess the impact of leadership training. This can be done through:

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule follow-up meetings to discuss progress and challenges.
• Goal Setting: Use frameworks like SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to track individual and team objectives.
• Performance Reviews: Conduct periodic evaluations to measure growth and compare them to established benchmarks.

4. Measurement Tools

Measurement tools are resources that facilitate the assessment of leadership effectiveness. They include:

• Surveys and Questionnaires: Gather feedback on leadership behaviors and team dynamics.
• Assessment Centers: Simulate real-life scenarios where leaders can demonstrate their skills and receive feedback.

5. ROI Calculations

Return on Investment (ROI) calculations help determine the financial benefits gained from leadership development activities compared to their costs. To calculate ROI:

• Formula: ROI = (Net Benefits / Costs) x 100%
• For example, if a $10,000 training program results in a $50,000 increase in productivity, the ROI would be 400%. This helps justify investments in leadership development.

By implementing these measurement strategies, organizations can evaluate the impact of their leadership activities and ensure there is an on-going improvement in leadership development efforts.

Final Thoughts: Making Leaders, One Activity at a Time

Building great leaders starts with open conversations about leadership, followed by united forces to implement leadership-oriented activities in the workplace. True growth happens when your team rolls up its sleeves and faces challenges together. Yes, it can get messy and loud at times, especially if you have a lot of strong personalities in your crew, but that’s where the magic truly begins.

Don’t forget that creating a positive work climate is key, and sessions like the Strengths Recognition Workshop can go a long way. Or inspire your team through activities like Thirty Seconds Left. Remember, leadership isn’t about who can make their voice be heard, but about bringing out the best in one another. So, choose an activity that resonates with your team, observe their responses, and build from there. You don’t need a perfect plan or expensive equipment: just create opportunities for your team to step up and shine.

Want to make your next team event truly unforgettable? At TeamOut, we specialize in bringing these activities (and many more!) to life. Ready to plan something special? Check out our Top 25 Activities to Boost Collaboration in 2025. Looking for something fun to hype your office environment? Our Best Office Olympics Ideas must be just what you need. Schedule a free call with our TeamOut experts, and let’s design an experience your team won’t stop talking about!