SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

Team Building

Bonding Belt

Outline:

A hilarious illustration of team bonding in which teams of six are literally bonded together by a cling film waistband.

They then have to race against the clock across the room with the intention of improving their time with each attempt.

This training resource is also available as a PDF.

View PDF

Resources:

Energiser, Exercise, Icebreaker

People Required:
Participants: min=6 max=60

Timings:

Set-up: Up to 15 min
Running/De-brief: 15 min – 30 min
Pack-up: Up to 15 min

Pre-work

Hazards and Risks:

Specific Safety Notes: In addition to standard safety practices:

Assess the participants’ receptivity to fun, this exercise requires an open mind and a good sense of humour

Key Learning Points:

Change, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork

Equipment and Layout:

A large space, with a sufficiently clear area to allow the team/s to move between two distinct points. A roll of cling film per team and a timer

Instructions:

Introduce this as a very light hearted activity in which the team/s will have an opportunity to assess and improve upon their performance
Tell the teams that they will have to move as one unit between point A and point B in as short a time as possible
Tell them that to ensure they stay ‘bonded’ as one unit they will be held together by a cling film belt, tightly wrapped around their waists
Give the teams 5 minutes to discuss their strategy, advising them that at the end of this time they should be in position ready to be ‘bonded’
When applying the cling film do so at waist height of the mid-sized participant, make the belt sufficiently tight so that it will not fall when the team starts to move. Make the belt several layers thick
Reiterate the position of the start and finish lines and set the teams off against the clock
Advise the teams of their times giving them a minute to catch their breath and agree their strategy for the next attempt
Repeat several times until the teams achieve their best time.

Additional Notes:

Be aware that participants will get very hot during this exercise, provide drinks and look out for potentially embarrassing perspiration.

Review and Conclusion:

Ask each team to consider:
- How did they cope with the handicap of the belt?
- How do they feel about their level of improvement?
- How did the playfulness of the activity influence performance?
- What is the equivalent of the belt in your organisation?
- What practical steps could you take to improve your performance within the real constraints that exist in your business?

Contact Us

Office Street Address: 91 Leake St Belmont 6104
SESVA Postal Address: PO Box 3218 BELMONT WA 6104
sesva.office@ses-wa.asn.au or sesva.secretary@ses-wa.asn.au

Webmaster – sesva.webmaster@ses-wa.asn.au

Website by Ian Hakanson

Information

SES Volunteers Association of Western Australia Incorporated acknowledges the funding from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services that support the operation of the Association.