Sample Workshops
Here are some examples of how we use creativity as a team building tool
Communication
Blind Sculpting Partnerships One person describes an object while their partner sculpts it without seeing the original. Then they switch roles. This exercise highlights the importance of clear communication and active listening while creating something tangible together.
Blind Sculpting Team-Building Experience (2 Hours)
0:00–0:10 | Welcome & Icebreaker
Brief intro from facilitator
Quick warm-up: “Describe & Guess” participants describe a mystery object in their pocket or bag, others guess
0:10–0:25 | Concept Overview & Pairing
Explain the Blind Sculpting exercise
Emphasize goals: communication, listening, collaboration
Pair participants (ideally mixed departments or roles)
0:25–0:55 | Round 1: Describe & Sculpt
Partner A describes a reference object (hidden from Partner B)
Partner B sculpts based solely on verbal instructions
No peeking or physical cues allowed
Optional: use clay, foam, wire, or modeling compound
0:55–1:05 | Debrief & Compare
Reveal original object
Compare sculpted version
Discuss what worked, what didn’t
Highlight communication strategies
1:05–1:35 | Round 2: Switch Roles
Partner B now describes a new object
Partner A sculpts
Encourage refinement of communication based on first round’s lessons
1:35–1:50 | Final Reveal & Reflection
Compare second round results
Group discussion:
What improved?
What surprised you?
How does this relate to workplace collaboration?
1:50–2:00 | Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Share key insights
Optional: vote on “Most Accurate,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Teamwork” sculptures
Encourage participants to apply lessons to real-world projects
Resistance to change
If Change Were an Object…
2-Hour Team-Building Experience Timeline
0:00–0:15 | Welcome & Framing the Challenge
Introduce the concept: change as a physical object.
Prompt reflection:
“If change were an object, what would its form, color, and texture be — and why?”
0:15–0:30 | Individual Reflection & Sketching
Each participant imagines and sketches their personal “change object.”
Written prompts:
What shape does change take for you?
What color best represents it?
What texture does it feel like?
What does this object say about your experience with change?
0:30–1:10 | Team Build: From Friction to Flow
Teams receive a bin of materials.
Challenge:
“Build a physical model that represents the journey from resistance to flow — incorporating your team’s collective ‘change objects.’”Requirements:
Include a “friction zone” (barriers, confusion, resistance).
Include a “flow zone” (clarity, alignment, momentum).
Integrate elements from each person’s change object (form, color, texture).
1:10–1:30 | Model Presentations
Each team presents their build:
What does each part represent?
How did individual perceptions of change shape the design?
What helped move from resistance to flow?
1:30–1:50 | Group Reflection
Facilitator-led discussion:
What did you learn about your own response to change?
What common themes emerged in your team’s change objects?
How can we design better transitions in our real work?
1:50–2:00 | Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Share key insights.
Optional awards:
“Most Insightful Metaphor”
“Best Friction Zone”
“Most Creative Flow Path”
Encourage teams to apply these lessons to upcoming changes in their work environment.
Recognition of team member strengths
Perspective Portraits
Team members create portraits of each other, but from the perspective of "how this person contributes to our team's success." These shifts focus from appearance to appreciation of colleagues' professional strengths.
Perspective Portraits: A 2-Hour Team-Building Experience
0:00–0:10 | Welcome & Framing the Experience
Facilitator intro: Explain the purpose — celebrating team members through the lens of their professional impact.
Prompt: “Today, we’re not drawing faces — we’re drawing value. What does this person bring to the team?”
0:10–0:25 | Partner Pairing & Observation
Pair participants (ideally cross-functional or less familiar colleagues).
Each person spends 5–10 minutes observing and reflecting on their partner:
What are their strengths?
How do they show up in meetings, projects, or crises?
What metaphors or symbols represent their contribution?
Tip: Encourage use of abstract imagery — gears, bridges, lightning bolts, anchors, etc.
0:25–1:00 | Portrait Creation (Round 1)
Each person creates a portrait of their partner:
Use drawing materials (markers, colored pencils, paper)
Include symbolic elements, metaphors, or visual storytelling
Add a short written caption: “This is how I see your contribution”
No artistic skill required — it’s about meaning, not realism.
1:00–1:20 | Portrait Reveal & Appreciation
Partners reveal their portraits to each other.
Each person explains their choices and symbolism.
Encourage open appreciation and discussion.
1:20–1:40 | Switch Partners & Round 2 (Optional)
If time allows, rotate partners and repeat the process with a new person.
This broadens appreciation across the team.
1:40–1:55 | Gallery Walk & Group Reflection
Display all portraits.
Group walks around, reads captions, and celebrates contributions.
Facilitator leads reflection:
What did you learn about your teammates?
How did it feel to be seen through your strengths?
What symbols resonated most?
1:55–2:00 | Wrap-Up & Takeaways
Share key insights.
Optional: “Most Insightful Symbolism,” “Most Unexpected Tribute,” “Team MVP”
Encourage participants to carry this mindset into daily work — seeing each other through the lens of contribution.
Email us to design a creative exercise to energize your team! bluemerle.teambuilding@gmail.com