Wild goose chase games and team building activities for offices have become popular at team building sessions.
They provide a fun and engaging way for team members to work together and get to know each other better.
This guide will provide an overview of team building activities for corporate trainers, wild goose chase games and how to utilize them effectively at team building events.
Background on Wild Goose Chase Games
A wild goose chase game sends teams on a mission to find various items or complete tasks within a set time limit.
The goals are intentionally vague and challenging, requiring teammates to think creatively, problem-solve, and work together. We hear this from customers who have ordered our full set of courses.
These scavenger hunt-style games take their name from the idiomatic expression “to go on a wild goose chase” meaning to pursue something unlikely to be caught.
Wild goose chases tap into friendly competition and good-natured humor. Teams race against the clock rather than each other, fostering collaboration.
Success depends on communication, delegation, and teamwork. Participants get a mental break from routine work and have fun getting to know coworkers’ personalities and skills.
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Key Features of Wild Goose Chase Games
- The scavenger hunt format sends teams to locate items or complete tasks
- Intentionally vague goals require creativity and problem-solving
- Adds an element of friendly competition against the clock
- Fosters communication, delegation, and teamwork
- Provides a fun, engaging shared experience
Benefits of Wild Goose Chases for Team Building
- Breaks down inter-departmental silos
- Allows coworkers to see each other’s skills and strengths
- Energizes staff and boosts morale
- Strengthens relationships and trust
- Reinforces the importance of collaboration
- Teaches problem-solving and coping skills
- Improves organizational communication
Planning a Wild Goose Chase
To organize a successful wild goose chase game:
- Establish teams of 4-6 people mixed from different departments
- Create a list of 10-15 challenges varying in complexity
- Set a time limit of 60-90 minutes
- Scout locations around the office or venue in advance
- Ensure challenges are achievable but require effort
- Have a conclusion where teams reconvene and share experiences
- Offer fun prizes for winning team(s)
Best Practices for Wild Goose Chase Games
- Mix up team compositions to foster new connections
- Keep challenges lighthearted and workplace appropriate
- Set ground rules like no cell phones and staying together
- Have designated team leaders to coordinate efforts
- Include challenges across multiple floors or buildings
- Vary challenge formats (find items, take photo, get signatures, etc.)
- The time limit should require hustle without excessive stress
- Have a back-up plan if teams complete tasks too quickly
- Reconvene for a group debriefing and prize ceremony
- Follow up with a team building survey
Wild Goose Chase Examples
Here are some example challenges to give teams for a wild goose chase:
- Find a stapler in the shape of a cat
- Get a selfie with the CEO
- Obtain a copy of today’s lunch menu
- Have 3 coworkers sign your team flag
- Grab a branch from the tree in the courtyard
- Spell your team name with office supplies
- Get the security guard to tell you a joke
- Find 3 blue sticky notes in 3 departments
- Photograph your team with the company founder’s portrait
- Have each person share a unique fact about themselves
- Retrieve an item from the lost and found
- Find the best hiding spot and take a team photo
- Get a quote about teamwork from the head of HR
- Make a 15 second video about why your team is the best
- Have everyone share their favorite motivational quote
- Build the tallest tower using materials in the break room
- Teach the receptionist a new handshake
Summary
Well-planned wild goose chase games and outdoor activities are an excellent team building activity. They break down barriers, promote problem-solving and communication, and create shared experiences.
Keys to success are imaginative challenges, mixed teams, time limits, and fun prizes.
With some creativity and advanced planning, wild goose chases make for a memorable and effective team building experiences that target team challenges.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
