Teambuilding

Build Your Team Before You Build Your Robot
It is important that all FIRST robotics programs teams work together as a cohesive unit. But how do you get those strong introverts on your team, the ones who would prefer to do things themselves, to work with others? How do you get your engineering mentors, parents, and students all on the same page? We advocate focusing your energies during the off-season on strengthening your team through teambuilding exercises. Starting immediately after your recruiting period ends, begin each meeting with some icebreakers so you start to get to know each other better. Then, as the team progresses, add some longer teambuilding exercises aimed at getting the group to work together. Throw in some occasional loosen-up exercises to get the team warmed up and able to focus on what comes next.

If your team can afford it, schedule a teambuilding weekend away - often scout camps or local conservation parks have facilities you can rent for a nominal fee during the fall or spring months - and encourage all team members (including adults) to attend. This opportunity to work and socialize together can prove invaluable as the season progresses.

We are providing ideas for teambuilding exercises below, as suggested by our members. We recognize that some of these ideas may be copyrighted and ask that the owners please contact us if we are using one of their exercises here without permission. If you would like to share exercises with us that have worked well with your FIRST team, please contact us.

Check back often as we post more of your favorite Teambuilding Exercises!

Icebreakers

Line-Up (PDF: 1p., 18K)
Things in Common (PDF: 1p., 18K)
People Bingo (PDF: 2pp., 26K)
Psychiatrist (PDF: 1p., 95K)