Fun With Balloons Leads to Better Business Results
I use balloons to build teams. Why? Because balloons are fun. They bring out the inner kid in people by tapping into that creativity exuded so naturally as children. Statistics tell us that when people are having fun at work they will:
- Be happier
- Be more creative
- Be more engaged
- Deliver better customer service
- …And much more
Often people hire consultants to come up with new and better systems, products, results, etc. Before spending money, why not try this exercise and tap into your own team’s expertise? After all, they are closest to the business and could give you an insight you didn’t know they had. You might be surprised at what they know; you just have to ask. This balloon exercise is a great way to tap into that knowledge while having fun. Use this exercise to improve:
- Sales: how to sell more of the products in your current line or add new products
- Customer Service: How to deliver better customer service or add new customers
- Employee Engagement: Find out what’s on your employees’ minds while keeping the results anonymous
- Improve business processes
Here’s how:
- Hand everyone a 9” balloon and a post-it note (smaller ones are better).
- Ask the participants to write down one thing (see examples from list above). This is the problem you’re trying to solve or thing you want to improve.
- Then have participants take the post-it notes, fold them up and stick them inside the balloons.
- Instruct them to inflate the balloons.
- Gather everyone in a circle holding his or her balloon.
- Direct them to start batting the balloons around when the music starts.
- Play a fast, catchy tune for 1 minute while the group bats the balloons.
- Once the music stops, have everyone grab a balloon, walk back to their seats, sit on the balloon and pop it.
- Designate a scribe at each table to write all ideas down, and then share with the entire group.
- Get a volunteer to gather all ideas, create a spreadsheet and share them with everyone.
- Make sure to follow up and go over these ideas on an ongoing basis.
It’s that simple. Here are the supplies you will need:
- 9” balloons (one for every participant)
- Small post-it notes
- Music/speakers or sound system
*Be sure to ask if anyone has a latex allergy. If they do, make them the DJ for the music
This fun team building/brainstorming activity has yielded great results for many of the companies I have introduced it to. Join those who know that a Happy Workplace starts with a fun workplace.
Lorraine Grubbs is a team building expert who helps companies create Happy Workplaces.
