The Index Card Challenge requires out of the box (out of the card) thinking to solve.  It's the perfect activity to get your team to think about how they can get the job done even when the challenge appears impossible.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

A good team building activity to set the stage for more challenging games.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

With ninja in the name, how can you miss for a great teambuilding activity?!

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

One of my great joys is having the opportunity to meet and spend time with wonderful, brilliant, and generous people.  This describes Dr. Laurence Martel who authored "The Seven Secrets Of Learning Revealed  -- What Your Teacher Never Taught You, Because Your Teacher Never Knew".

I met Dr. Martel at the Anthony Robbins Foundation "Discovery Camp" program in the summer of 2001.  Our job was to train the 100 teachers enrolled in the program.  We were brought back again to work with the teachers at Discovery Camp 2003. 

Dr. Martel has helped thousands of educators learn how to teach more effectively and always with more fun.  It was an honor to work with Dr. Martel on several school staff training projects.

I am sad to report that Dr. Martel passed away on January 7, 2007 from heart complications.  I will miss his joyful spirit.

I am happy to report that I had the great fortune of interviewing Dr. Martel about his book The Seven Secrets of Learning Revealed.  In this interview Dr. Martel reveals his seven key concepts for creating a dynamic learning environment.

  Click on the following link to listen to the 57 minute interview I did with Dr. Martel in December of 2004. 

Dr. Laurence Martel MP3 lg 2

Anne Fisher, a senior writer at Fortune Magazine, writes a column entitled "Ask FSB" for Fortune Small Business Magazine and she called me last month in reference to an article she was writing.  Anne wanted to know the story behind my moving to the number one position on Google for the phrase "teamwork coach".  If you pick up a copy of the March 2007 issue of Fortune Small Business you'll find mention of TeachMeTeamwork.com in Anne's column.  Thank you Anne!

The Tangram (Gas Leak) teambuilding activity is based on an ancient Chinese puzzle. The story goes that a tile layer who was about to finish a job dropped his last two tiles.  When he tried to reassemble the tiles he found that it was more difficult then he could imagine.

It’s a wonderful exercise that requires creativity, group problem solving, and resource management.  One beautiful aspect about this activity is that it can be offered again and again over the course of a year to the same group because there is infinite number of puzzles (silhouettes). 

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

Team Balance Board might remind you of the classic teambuilding game called "All Aboard" - - both games are similar in that the group tries to stand on a small platform with no one touching the ground.  The Team Balance Board offers a unique twist in that it acts like a see-saw.  There are two movable fulcrums that allow you to adjust the difficulty of the game.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

Team Traks require the team to work in complete harmony of motion to move forward (without falling over like dominoes). 

Team Traks are a variation on a classic teambuilding game - - but the classic is made of long pieces of heavy wood that are hard to transport where as the Team Traks are made of fiberglass reinforced fabric making them light and easy to transport (they roll up!).  Not only that, the Team Traks can be made longer or shorter using a plastic clip at the ends and this means you can adjust your Team Traks to the level of difficulty your team needs.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

Stephen M.R. Covey recently authored a book entitled "The Speed of Trust".  It's a wonderful book and he offers an outstanding workshop based on the book.

Now Covey has a fantastic podcast you can subscribe to for free HERE.  When you go to the website you'll see several photos of Covey but the image I really want you to focus on is the one next to "Speed of Trust Radio on iTunes".  You really should listen to Covey interview Chris Anderson who authored a great book entitled "The Long Tail".

Trust is THE foundation of all great team and Covey's free podcast will help you learn how to build trust on your team and in your organization.

Hi!  It's Tom Heck with the latest issue of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter you subscribed to.

Since January 1, 2007 I've been adding LOTS of new content to TeachMeTeamwork.com including over 25 teambuilding games with video clips and detailed lead-it-yourself directions and 7 audio interviews with prominent people in the field of team and leadership development.

And some BIG NEWS - - There is a new "Members Only Area".  See the details below.

I've provided some links below to help you access all the new stuff quickly and easily.

Please forward this newsletter to your friends. 

I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email How can I best support your teambuilding efforts?

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New Members Only Area -- Login Required

Some (not all) of the content at TeachMeTeamwork.com will require you to login to a new Members Only Area to access all the great resources.  Access to the Members Only Area is FREE and your login (Username and Password) will be sent to you via email VERY soon so be on the lookout for it.  Which reminds me, be sure to add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list or you may miss the email with your login.  Learn more about the Members Only Area HERE

7 Ways To Enlighten Your Team -- Recording Available

Is it our job as teamwork coaches to “enlighten” a team? My answer is an emphatic YES!  And on March 8th I led a live and interactive TeleSeminar where I outlined 7 specific ways for you to enlighten your team.  Best of all I recorded the call and posted it along with the class notes HERE and it's free!

New Teambuilding Games

I've added over 25 new teambuilding games since January 1.  And I'm adding lots more over the coming months.  When I'm done you'll find over 200 teambuilding games along with video clips and detailed lead-it-yourself directions.  Here are a few of the teambuilding games I've added recently:

• Big Question
• Ain't No Flies On Me
• Giant Egg Ladder
• Green Blue Black

New Audio Interviews

I've been adding lots of new audio interviews since January.  Download them today as an mp3 and listen on your computer or iPod.  CLICK HERE for the complete list.  New audio interviews added regularly.

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE to see a photo of the t-shirt.

About Tom

I've updataed the "About Tom" link at my website.  Now you can see a photo of me getting my hair cut by my six year old son (it's not pretty).  Or perhaps you'd like to see a video clip of a Floating Arm Trebuchet I built.  CLICK HERE

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 24,307 subscribers as of this newsletter.  NOTE:  I've purged over 6,000 emails from my list recently.  The emails were either being identified as spam OR the subscriber didn't click on the opt-in verification email that is sent immediately after subscribing.  Make sure you add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list and look for the opt-in verification email to avoid removal from the list.
• Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.
• 151 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

This is an easy to lead, portable, no prop activity that helps people experience trust.  When I first learned this activity I thought it would only be effective with youth groups.  I've come to realize adults get as much out of this teamwork exercise as the youth.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

This is a team activity that builds rapport and is perfect for use at the start of a workshop as an icebreaker.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

The Diamond Trust teambuilding activity is one of the many teambuidling games you can lead with a set of Team Timbers.

The Diamond Trust activity requires people to work in pairs and travel from one end of the diamond shaped structure (balance beam) to the other.  To successfully travel from one end to the other the partners must rely on each other.

Learn more about the Team Timbers portable teambuilding games system CLICK HERE

Some of the teambuilding games you can lead include:

• Circular Switch
• Opposite Sides Switch
• Lost Gold
• Pairs Traverse
• Team Circular Walk
• Zig Zag Lineup
• Zig Zag Traverse
• Zig Zag Traverse with Gap
• Star Switch
• Star Gold
• Star Clock
• Trust V
• Trust Diamond
• Two Pair Pass
• Two Pair Trade Partners

You can purchase a complete set of Team Timbers or just the metal bracket set and supply your own wood.  CLICK HERE for details.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

Here's an activity that requires "out of the box" thinking.  This works best with This is a good team building activity to have available when folks first enter the room; it gives them an opportunity to focus on a challenge together and connect through sharing ideas about how to solve it.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

Join the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators and receive immediate access to the growing online archive of teambuilding games.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

This is a Toobeez Teambuilding Game called The Cube.

First the team builds a cube using one set of Toobeez and then they balance it on a 5 gallon bucket.  Now, without knocking the cube over, the team must earn as many points as possible by passing through the cube. Different point values for different pathways through the cube. 

This is just one of over 25 different teambuilding games you can lead with one bag of Toobeez.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

I've been fascinated by catapults ever since I was a little kid.  Word must have gotten out because I received a trebuchet kit as a Christmas (2006) gift.  I built the kit with my seven year old son between Christmas and New Years.

I put together a little video to show you my trebuchet (see below).  That's me (the adult) in the video.

This device is actually a "floating arm trebuchet" and it can launch a golf ball over 100 yards with 15 pounds of counter weight.  How cool is that?!

And there MUST be a way to turn this into a teambuilding game.  Any ideas?

Oh, and if you're wondering, my trebuchet kit came from the folks at rlt.com.  The kit was easy and fun to make.

The Human Ladder teamwork exercise is like a treadmill in that the climber can keep climbing for as long as the ladder continues (see the video clip below).  This is a physically demanding teambuilding activity both for the climber and the ladder holders so make sure your team is up for this challenge.

Would you like to lead this teambuilding game with your group?

I'll send you the complete teambuilding game write-up!  Just subscribe to my free TeachMeTeamwork.com teamwork ideas e-newsletter (see the form in the right hand column).  In addition to receiving a free teambuilding games e-book, I'll regularly send you complete and detailed lead-it-yourself instructions to teambuilding games like the one above.  The lead-it-yourself instructions include: 

• Setup & Preparation directions
• Rules
• Comments and insights about the teambuilding game
• Debriefing suggestions
• Variations
• Detailed "how to make it" if props are involved
• Video clips and photos

Over time you'll receive over 100 new and different lead-it-yourself teambuilding game write-ups for FREE. 

CLICK HERE for a sample teambuilding game write-up.

Do you need immediate access to my growing online archive of lead-it-yourself teambuilding games?  When you purchase my popular Multimedia 3-CD Training Bundle, I'll immediately send you the password to my online archive of teambuilding game write-ups.  Learn more HERE.

>> Lead consciously.  Learn how HERE

How do you enlighten your team?

Enlighten?

Is it our job as Teamwork Facilitators to “enlighten” a team?

My answer is an emphatic YES!

Let’s take a look at the word…

The dictionary defines enlighten as “to give intellectual or spiritual light to”.

HOW, especially in a corporate/business setting, can you enlighten a team in a PRACTICAL way?  A way that helps shift the energy of the team so they can play at the highest level -- a level that is fun, creative, productive, and sustainable.

There are 7 distinct strategies you can use to enlighten your team. 

1. Identifying Subtle Differences
2. Deliver Messages
3. Ask Questions
4. Share Principles & Concepts
5. Correct Assumptions & Beliefs
6. Share All Of What You See And Feel
7. Give Answers, Perspective & Advice

In this interactive TeleSeminar I share 3 points for each of the 7 strategies. 

I use these same strategies with the teams I serve in an effort to help the teams become more effective, productive and (ultimately) more joyful.

CLICK HERE to download the 90 minute audio and class notes.

The audio recording and class notes for this program have been moved to the IATF Members Only Area.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the benefits of IATF membership

Are you still interested in the business team I’m building? 

CLICK HERE for a reminder of what I'm talking about.

Last week Thursday (March 29, 2007) I led an introductory call about the opportunity and the team I'm building.  There was a huge response and the number of people on the call required that I mute everyone which meant you couldn't get your questions answered at that time.

I then invited you to join me on Saturday morning (March 31, 2007) for a Q&A call.  There were some great questions asked about what it means to be a member of this team, the business model, the technology involved, and more.  Listen to the 60-minute recording at the link below:

Download Tom_Heck_Conference_Call_033107.mp3

After you listen to the recording, I’d like to talk with you.

Warmly,

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach
TeachMeTeamwork.com