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Mannequin

Team Building Activity: Mannequin

Team Building Activity: Mannequin

Category: Team Building Time: ~15 minutes Group size: 6–20 Focus: Creativity • Empathy • Group bonding

Objective

Foster creativity, empathy, and bonding as participants explore how they perceive one another’s personalities through collaborative, respectful posing.

Materials

  • None required
  • Optional: simple props (scarves, hats, paper)

Preparation

  • Use a spacious, comfortable area for free movement and safe posing.
  • Lay out optional simple props if available.
  • Brief on respect, sensitivity, consent, and opt‑out options.

Step‑by‑step instructions

  1. Select volunteers: Choose 3–4 volunteers (or rotate so everyone tries being the mannequin).
  2. Become the mannequin: Volunteer stands still, adopting a neutral posture.
  3. Pose the mannequin: With consent and gentle touch, the group adjusts arms, legs, posture, and facial expression to depict how they perceive the person’s personality. Simple props may be added.
  4. Feedback: Invite the mannequin to share how it felt and whether the pose reflects their personality.
  5. Repeat: Continue until all selected volunteers have had a turn.
Respect & inclusion
  • Ask for consent before any touch; narrate intended movements (e.g., “May I lift your arm slightly?”).
  • Avoid sensitive areas; keep poses comfortable and dignified.
  • Offer non‑touch alternatives: verbal directing or prop‑only adjustments.

Safety & respect guidelines

  • Gentle, respectful touch only—with explicit consent each time.
  • Provide opt‑out or modification options for anyone uncomfortable.
  • Encourage supportive tone; no teasing or negative labeling.
  • Monitor group dynamics to keep the activity psychologically safe.

Facilitator tips

  • Invite creativity while modeling respect and sensitivity.
  • Use open prompts (e.g., “What did this pose surface about team dynamics?”).
  • Highlight how differing perceptions enrich understanding.
  • Use light humor appropriately to keep the mood positive.

Debrief & discussion

  • How accurate did the poses feel in depicting personality?
  • What was it like to have your body positioned by the group?
  • Did anything surprise you about how others see you?
  • How can understanding perceptions improve teamwork and communication?
  • How did the group collaborate in deciding poses?

Alternative/related activities

Personality Sculptures

Teams use limited props to pose a member to express a trait (e.g., confidence, creativity); others guess the trait. Builds creative communication and interpretation.

Life Snapshots

Create living “snapshots” of moments (celebration, conflict, team win) using body poses with a silent director. Encourages storytelling, collaboration, and empathy.

Estimated time breakdown

Activity partDuration
Volunteer selection2 minutes
Posing & feedback10 minutes
Group debrief3 minutes
  • Building High‑Performing Teams – teamwork, collaboration, cohesion. View package →
  • Communicating with Clarity & Impact – clearer, faster alignment. View package →
  • Conflict Resolution – respectful disagreement and alignment. View package →

Free assessment tools & quizzes

FAQ

Is touching required?

No. You can run a verbal‑direction variant with no touch; props can be used instead.

How many volunteers?

3–4 per round works well. Rotate across sessions if time is tight.

What about cultural or personal boundaries?

Ask for explicit consent, avoid sensitive areas, and keep poses comfortable and dignified.

Can we take photos?

Only with consent of everyone in the frame and clarity on where images will be shared.

Remote option?

Yes—use a video call. One person is the “mannequin”; others give verbal directions or suggest prop choices from their desk.

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