What are the best team-building drills for trust? – Delta Prepper

What Are the Best Team-Building Drills for Trust.

Why Do Some Teams Just Click.

Have you ever walked into a room and thought, “Wow, this team really has something special,” while other groups just can’t seem to gel. It’s not magic, and it’s certainly not luck. The superpower here is trust—plain and simple. Whether you’re heading up a work project, coaching a little league team, or planning a weekend retreat, you already know that trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built, not given. And let’s be honest: in today’s world of fast-moving teams and changing rosters, building that trust can feel like a real challenge.

You and I both know that trust is more than a buzzword—it’s the glue that holds any great group together. In this series, I’m going to walk you through the best team-building drills for trust, why they work, and how you can use them to turn your group into a tight-knit team. Along the way, I’ll share real-world stats, sprinkle in fun facts, and answer the questions you’re probably already thinking about. Let’s jump in and start building trust, one activity at a time.

Why Trust Matters in Teams

What Does Trust Really Mean in a Team Setting.

Let’s break it down. Trust in a team is all about believing that your teammates have your back. It’s knowing you can count on each other to do what you say, to offer support when things get tough, and to be honest—even when it’s not easy. In practical terms, trust means you’re not constantly looking over your shoulder, second-guessing, or holding back ideas for fear of being shot down. You feel safe to speak up, take risks, and even make mistakes, knowing your team is there for you.

The Real Impact of Trust

Why should you care. Because trust is the secret sauce for everything that makes a team great. Research shows that teams with high trust have:

Better communication: People actually talk to each other, listen, and share information freely.
Higher morale: When you trust your teammates, work doesn’t just feel like work—it feels like belonging.
More productivity: A Harvard Business Review study found that high-trust teams are 50% more productive than their low-trust counterparts.
Faster conflict resolution: Disagreements don’t turn into drama; they’re addressed openly and resolved quickly.

And here’s a stat that really jumps out: According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, a whopping 85% of employees say trust is the key to team success. That’s not just a majority—that’s almost everyone you work with.

Common Trust Issues (and How They Crop Up)

Let’s be real: trust isn’t always easy. Teams run into problems like:

Past betrayals: Maybe someone didn’t keep a commitment.
Misunderstandings: Ever had an email taken the wrong way.
New members: Adding people can shake up the group dynamic.
Remote work: Not seeing each other in person can make building trust even harder.

I remember a project I worked on where two departments had to come together fast. At first, there was a lot of skepticism—“Do they really have our best interests in mind. ” But as soon as we started sharing our goals (and a few personal stories over coffee), things changed. We became more than just a group of individuals; we became a team that trusted each other to deliver.

Top Team-Building Drills for Trust

Okay, now let’s get practical. What actual activities can you use to build trust in your team. Here are some of my favorites, from classics to clever updates:

The Trust Fall (and Modern Alternatives)

You’ve probably seen the trust fall in movies—a person stands with their back to the group, closes their eyes, and lets themselves fall, trusting their teammates will catch them. It sounds simple, but it’s a powerful metaphor (and, let’s face it, a little nerve-wracking. While the trust fall is a classic, not everyone loves the physical aspect. That’s why modern teams have come up with safer twists, like:

Blindfold Walks: One teammate wears a blindfold and another guides them through a simple obstacle course using only voice commands. It’s all about listening and letting go of control.
“Will You Catch Me. ” Exercises: Think of this as the trust fall, but with more options—like catching a lightweight object someone tosses your way, or helping someone step down from a chair blindfolded.

What makes these drills great. They quickly surface any hesitations and show, in real time, that your team is there to support you. Plus, they’re easy to adapt for different comfort levels.

Two Truths and a Lie

This one’s a favorite at company retreats, and for good reason—it’s fun, low-pressure, and gets people talking. Here’s how it works: Each person thinks of three statements about themselves. Two are true, one is a lie. The rest of the group guesses which is which.

Why does this build trust. When you share facts (and a few fibs. ) about yourself, you invite others in. It breaks the ice, makes you a bit vulnerable, and helps teammates connect beyond just work stuff. One study even found that teams who regularly share personal stories are three times more likely to report strong mutual trust.

We’ve just scratched the surface of trust-building drills. Next up, I’ll walk you through more hands-on activities (like the Human Knot and Blind Drawing) and share tips for making any trust drill a team favorite. Ready to keep building. Let’s head to Part 2.

Continuing right where we left off, let’s dive into a few more powerful—and even playful—team-building drills that are proven to boost trust, communication, and a sense of togetherness.

More Top Team-Building Drills for Trust

The Human Knot

If you’ve ever been at a summer camp, youth group, or even a corporate offsite, chances are you’ve seen the Human Knot in action. Here’s how it works: everyone stands in a circle, reaches across to grab hands with two different people (not next to them), and then, without letting go, your team has to work together to unravel the “knot” and return to a circle.

Sounds simple, right. But just wait until you’re elbow-to-elbow, laughing, and trying to maneuver without breaking the chain. This drill is about as literal as it gets when it comes to “untangling” team dynamics. More importantly, it teaches crucial trust skills:

Cooperation: No one can solve the knot alone.
Communication: Teams have to talk, listen, and strategize together.
Reliance: You have to trust that others will guide you (and that no one will let go and break the chain).

Fun fact: The Human Knot is even used by NASA to train astronauts in teamwork. If it’s good enough for space crews, it’s safe to say it’s a winner for your office or group.

Blind Drawing

Here’s a creative exercise that’s as much about listening as it is about trust. Pair off your team, and give one teammate a simple picture (like a geometric shape or a smiley face) that the other can’t see. The person with the image gives only verbal instructions (“draw a big circle in the middle,” “add a triangle on top”), while their partner tries to recreate the drawing without looking.

What makes Blind Drawing such a trust-builder. The listener has to trust their partner’s guidance, and both have to be patient—even if the end result is far from perfect. It’s a low-stakes way to highlight how communication (and a little vulnerability) can make or break results.

Minefield

Ready for a challenge. “Minefield” takes trust to the next level. Create an obstacle course using chairs, cones, or even office supplies. One person is blindfolded, and the rest of the team verbally guides them through the “minefield” without touching any obstacles.

This activity is all about:

Clear communication under pressure
Trusting teammates when you’re out of your comfort zone
Overcoming the fear of making mistakes

It’s a fantastic way to break down barriers—plus, it’s adaptable for in-person or virtual play (with a bit of creativity and a webcam).

Personal Histories Exercise

Finally, let’s get a little deeper. The Personal Histories Exercise asks each team member to share something about their background—anything from a childhood hobby to a formative life experience. This isn’t about oversharing; it’s about building empathy and understanding. When you get even a brief glimpse into your colleagues’ histories, you’re far more likely to see them as real, multi-dimensional people.

According to team-building experts, teams that engage in personal storytelling are significantly more likely to report high levels of mutual trust and respect—up to three times more likely, in fact.

Tips for Success: Making Trust Drills Work for Your Team

By now, you’ve got a toolkit of trust-building activities. But before you jump in, let’s talk about how to make these drills really land with your group:

Choose the right drill for your team size and setting: Some activities work best with small groups (e. , Blind Drawing), while others (like the Human Knot) are great for larger teams. Remote team. Try virtual variations—think digital icebreakers or online “minefield” using breakout rooms.
Set the tone: Make sure everyone knows the goal isn’t to embarrass anyone, but to create a safe, supportive atmosphere. Lay out clear ground rules for participation.
Debrief after each drill: Always wrap up with a quick discussion. Ask, “What did we learn. ” and “How does this relate to our daily teamwork. ” Reflection helps cement the lessons and invites feedback.
Custom-tailor for your group: If you’ve got introverts or cross-cultural teams, allow for opt-outs or alternative ways to participate. The best activities meet people where they are.

Trust and Team Performance: The Hard Numbers

Let’s bring in some data to back up what we’ve been talking about. The link between trust and team success isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by some pretty eye-opening research:

Google’s Project Aristotle—a landmark study—found that “psychological safety” (aka, trust that you won’t be punished for mistakes or honest questions) was the single biggest predictor of team effectiveness. Teams with high trust simply outperform the rest.
According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, 85% of employees say trust is the key to team success—the overwhelming majority.
Productivity: A Harvard Business Review study found that high-trust teams are up to 50% more productive than their low-trust counterparts.
Retention: Research from Great Place to Work shows that employees at high-trust companies are 32% less likely to quit compared to those at low-trust organizations.
Virtual teams: With more people working remotely than ever before, trust is even more important. A 2022 Buffer survey found that 58% of remote workers list “trust issues” as a top challenge in virtual collaboration.

(Imagine a simple chart here: “Trust Level vs. Team Productivity”—and you’ll see a strong upward line. )

Continuing from where we left off, you’ve now got a solid toolkit of trust-building activities and a sense of why trust is the magic ingredient for any high-performing team. But did you know there’s even more to the world of team trust. To keep things lively, let’s dig into some fun, surprising facts about trust-building—and shine a light on an expert who’s bringing these principles to life every day.

Fun Facts: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Team-Building Drills for Trust

Trust Falls Date Back to the 1970s: The classic trust fall originated in adventure therapy programs, where it was designed to help participants confront fear and learn to rely on others. While the format has evolved, the core lesson—learning to let go—remains the same.

NASA Uses Team Drills in Space Prep: Astronauts undergo team-building exercises, including variations on the Human Knot and Blindfold Walks, to strengthen trust before embarking on missions where collaboration is literally life-and-death.

Laughter Boosts Trust: Studies show that when teams laugh together during activities, oxytocin (the “trust hormone”) is released, deepening bonds. Those awkward giggles during a team game.
They’re doing more good than you think.

Virtual Trust-Building Is on the Rise: With remote work booming, online adaptations like virtual “Two Truths and a Lie” or digital escape rooms are gaining popularity. Teams report feeling more connected—even through a screen—after these interactive sessions.

Personal Storytelling Has Science Behind It: Neuroscientists have found that telling personal stories during team activities activates empathy centers in the brain, making people more likely to trust and cooperate.

Animals Trust-Build, Too: Believe it or not, animal trainers use trust-building drills with dolphins, dogs, and even elephants. The principles—clear communication, reliability, and safe vulnerability—are universal.

Trust-Inspired Productivity Gains: According to Harvard Business Review, teams that regularly practice trust-building activities report up to 50% higher productivity. It’s not just warm fuzzies; it’s a real performance booster.

Shortest Effective Drill. Just 3 Minutes. Even a brief “huddle and share” or one quick round of “What’s one thing we have in common. ” can measurably boost trust and morale, according to team psychologist Dr.

Trust Drills Predict Team Longevity: Teams with high participation in trust-building activities are 32% less likely to experience turnover, meaning these drills can help keep your best people around longer.

Cultural Twist: In Japan, teams sometimes use “trust circles,” where members share personal goals while others offer support. The focus on collective responsibility takes trust-building to a community level.

Author Spotlight: Meet Patrick Lencioni—The ‘Trust’ Guru

No article on team trust would be complete without mentioning Patrick Lencioni, the bestselling author and organizational health expert. Through his landmark book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Lencioni popularized the idea that trust forms the foundation of all effective teamwork.

Why Patrick Lencioni Matters

Lencioni’s approach is fresh, practical, and rooted in real-world experience. He argues that teams must first conquer their “fear of vulnerability”—being open about mistakes, weaknesses, and needs—before they can achieve real trust. His workshops and books have transformed the way thousands of organizations approach teamwork.

A favorite Lencioni drill: The “Personal Histories Exercise” (mentioned earlier) is a Lencioni staple, encouraging team members to share a snippet of their background to break down barriers and build empathy. He believes that it’s these small acts of human connection that create lasting trust.

Fun fact: Lencioni’s work isn’t just for boardrooms—schools, nonprofits, and even sports teams use his trust-building methods. If you’re hungry for more, check out his website (tablegroup. com) for a treasure trove of tips, free resources, and inspiring case studies.

With so much science (and a touch of fun) behind trust-building, it’s easy to see why these drills have become staples in organizations of all sizes and styles. Whether you’re leading a traditional team, managing remote workers, or trying to unite a group of new faces, the right trust-building activity can make all the difference.

In the next section, we’ll tackle the most common questions people ask about trust-building: how often should you do these drills, what if someone’s uncomfortable, and how do you measure real progress. Stick around as we answer the top FAQs about team-building drills for trust.

Frequently Asked Questions: Team-Building Drills for Trust

With all this talk about trust—why it matters, which drills work best, and how experts like Patrick Lencioni are reshaping teams—it’s only natural to have some practical questions. Here are the top 10 FAQs (and clear, concise answers.

) to help you confidently lead your team toward greater trust.

1. How often should we do trust-building activities.

Think of trust-building like exercise—the benefits add up over time. Most experts recommend weaving in a formal trust-building drill at least once per month, and even brief icebreakers or check-ins weekly. The key is consistency. As Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV) reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. ” Regular practice keeps your team’s edges smooth and relationships strong.

2. What if someone is uncomfortable or reluctant to participate.

It’s normal for team members to feel hesitant, especially with unfamiliar or vulnerable activities. Always explain the “why” behind each drill, allow for opt-outs, and offer alternatives when possible. Sometimes, starting with low-pressure games (like Two Truths and a Lie) warms people up to deeper exercises down the road.

3. Do these activities work for remote or hybrid teams.

Absolutely. Most classic trust drills have a virtual twist—try digital escape rooms, online “Minefields” in breakout rooms, or even a webcam version of Blind Drawing. The principle stays the same: foster communication and connection, even if you’re miles apart.

4. How can I tell if trust is actually improving in my team.

Look for signs such as more open dialogue, willingness to share ideas (even unpopular ones), and healthy conflict that gets resolved quickly. You can also run occasional anonymous surveys—ask, “Do you feel safe taking risks with this team. ” and look for growth over time.

5. What’s the easiest trust-building drill for beginners.

The Personal Histories Exercise is a favorite: have each team member share a fun or formative fact about their past. It’s low-risk, non-physical, and great for breaking the ice—no special equipment or prior trust required.

6. Can trust-building activities actually boost productivity.

Yes, and the stats back this up. As shared earlier, Harvard Business Review found teams that engage in regular trust-building are up to 50% more productive. When people trust each other, they spend less time second-guessing and more time collaborating.

7. Are there risks to these drills “going wrong”.

Like anything involving people, there’s a risk of discomfort or awkwardness. Always set a tone of respect, ensure activities don’t single out or embarrass anyone, and debrief afterward to discuss what worked (or didn’t). Remember, trust is built by honoring vulnerability.

8. Do these techniques work for cross-cultural or diverse teams.

Yes—and they’re even more important. Teams from different cultures may have different comfort zones around sharing or physical activities. Adapt drills as needed, celebrate differences, and always encourage mutual respect. Sometimes, simply sharing a meal or story is a powerful trust-builder.

9. How do I keep trust-building genuine, not forced or cheesy.

Be authentic yourself—share your own stories, admit mistakes, and show up ready to listen. Choose activities that fit your group’s vibe, and always tie the drills back to real teamwork goals (like smoother projects or better support). Trust grows where authenticity lives.

10. Where can I find more resources or expert guidance.

Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group (tablegroup. com) is a fantastic resource, packed with free guides, team assessments, and practical tips. You might also explore books like The Five Dysfunctions of a Team or look up team-building facilitators in your area.

The Real Power of Trust—A Final Word

We’ve covered a lot of ground: from trust falls and storytelling to the science behind laughter and the wisdom of outreach experts like Patrick Lencioni. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: trust is not a “nice-to-have”—it’s the foundation that every great team is built on. As the Bible reminds us, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NKJV). When you invest in trust, you invest in the safety net that catches, lifts, and propels your team forward.

So, what’s your next step. Pick an activity that fits your team, set the stage for open connection, and watch how trust transforms your group from a collection of individuals into a true team. Don’t be afraid to start small—remember, even a three-minute drill can make a difference.

Want to dig deeper or need help getting started. Visit tablegroup. com for more expert advice, real-world stories, and ready-to-go resources that can help you turn trust-building from a one-off event into a trusted team habit.

Let’s make trust the norm, not the exception.

OUTREACH: tablegroup. com.