There are many different reasons why companies use team building exercises. A small sampling of these reasons include: Improving communication, boosting morale, motivation, ice breakers to help get to know each other better, learning effective strategies, improving productivity, learning about one’s strengths and weaknesses and many others. Team building exercises can be used by any business, large or small, to promote better teamwork in the workplace, and as most business owners and managers know, great teamwork is one of the key factors associated with a company’s success.

There are four main types of team building exercises, which includes: Communication exercises, problem solving and/or decision making exercises, adaptability and/or planning exercises, and exercises that focus on building trust. The idea is to perform various activities that are both fun and challenging, and that also have the “side effect” of building teamwork skills that can help improve employee performance and productivity at the office. In this first installment, we’ll take a look at 10 highly effective team building exercises designed to improve communication and problem solving skills. These 10 team building exercises will have your company well on its way to building a team of peers that work well together, are productive and have a renewed focus.

Read more: Quick and Easy Team Building Exercises for Improving Communication and Problem Solving Skills