Sabotage
Sabotage
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Team Building Activity: Sabotage
Overview
An engaging trust exercise—without cliché trust falls. Teams race to arrange a card layout while believing a hidden saboteur may disrupt them. The twist: there isn’t one. The activity reveals how suspicion alone can erode coordination, slow decisions, and distort communication.
Learning objectives
- Understand how suspicion affects group dynamics and performance.
- Explore the role of trust and assumptions in collaboration.
- Identify behaviors that build or break trust.
- Surface communication challenges when suspicion is present.
Materials
- One complete deck of playing cards per team
- Blank index cards—one per participant
- Visual aid: image/printout of the target card layout (pyramid or grid)
- Timer for planning and execution
Setup & directions
- Form teams: Split into groups of 4–5. Shuffle each team’s deck thoroughly.
- Prime suspicion: Explain that one index card may have an “X” marking a saboteur who will secretly disrupt the team.
- Distribute cards: Hand out blank index cards (no one is actually marked).
- Show the goal: Display the required layout (e.g., pyramid of cards) and state the objective: arrange it as quickly as possible.
- Plan: Allow 3 minutes for private team strategy before starting.
- Run the round: Start the timer and observe. Note confusion, accusations, and cooperation.
- Reveal: After the build (or time), share that there was no saboteur. Move into debrief.
- Keep tone light; frame as a learning experiment. Avoid public shaming.
- Use a brief consent line up front if your policy requires transparency (e.g., “This activity uses a mild twist to explore trust.”).
- Debrief immediately; let participants opt‑out of sharing if they prefer.
Debrief & reflection
- How did believing a saboteur was present change your behavior?
- Who was suspected and why? Which behaviors triggered suspicion?
- How does suspicion or mistrust affect real work?
- What habits build trust and reduce unnecessary suspicion?
- Where did assumptions distort communication or decisions?
Alternative activities to broaden learning
1) Silent Minefield
Guide a blindfolded member across a “minefield” using non‑verbal cues (claps/taps). Builds trust and clarity under pressure.
2) The Misinformation Brief
Give a team a build task, but privately hand one member incorrect instructions. Debrief how misinformation derails output and how to verify assumptions.
Facilitator tips
- Protect psychological safety; intervene if accusations escalate.
- Normalize the tension—remind teams it’s part of the learning.
- Steer debrief toward practical trust‑building moves (checklists, handoffs, clarifying questions).
- Run a second round with explicit trust strategies and compare outcomes.
Virtual adaptations
- Use breakout rooms; share layout images via screen share or chat.
- Send private messages to suggest the possibility of a saboteur (or create a real one in a variant).
- Use polls to gather quick reactions during debrief.
Related training material packages
- 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 →
- Negotiating for Results – structured influence and agreement. View package →
Free assessment tools & quizzes
- Listening Style Quiz – tune attention and response. Take quiz →
- How Good a Listener Are You? – quick self‑check. Start self‑assessment →
- Explore more tools: Free self‑assessment library →
FAQ
Is the deception ethical?
Used lightly and debriefed immediately, yes. Frame it as a learning experiment, keep it safe, and avoid singling people out.
How many per team?
Four to five works well. For very large groups, run simultaneous heats.
What layouts work?
A four‑row pyramid or a 4×4 grid is ideal. Choose a shape that’s stable yet challenging under time pressure.
How long does it take?
About 20–30 minutes, including setup and a thorough debrief.
Can we include a real saboteur?
Yes—as a variant. Brief them to act subtly (e.g., mis‑sorting). Always disclose in the debrief and discuss safeguards for real work.
Get started today
Use Sabotage to surface practical trust‑building moves and healthier communication habits.
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