10. Show and Tell

• Description: Participants share a meaningful object or story, tailored to themes like “favorite recipes” or “travel keepsakes.”
• Why It’s Good: Encourages personal storytelling and connection.
• How It Helps the Team: Builds trust and fosters empathy.

11. Guess the Baby Picture

• Description: Share childhood photos and have the team guess who’s who.
• Why It’s Good: Sparks joy and nostalgia.
• How It Helps the Team: Creates a relaxed, positive atmosphere and deepens connections.

12. Online Doodling or Whiteboarding

• Description: Use online tools for doodling together or brainstorming visually.
• Why It’s Good: Makes brainstorming sessions more interactive.
• How It Helps the Team: Enhances engagement and creative collaboration.

13. Collaborative Brainstorming Games

• Description: Use tools like Miro or Mural to create visual agendas, meeting notes, or fun doodles.
• Why It’s Good: Encourages participation and idea-sharing.
• How It Helps the Team: Improves engagement in meetings and encourages innovative thinking.

14. Nostalgic Games

• Description: Revisit classic games like Hangman, adapted to your team or industry.
• Why It’s Good: Brings back fond memories and simplifies participation.
• How It Helps the Team: Creates a relaxed environment and relieves stress.

15. Creative Brainstorming Challenges

• Description: Use prompts like “Design a new product using only three materials.”
• Why It’s Good: Encourages innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
• How It Helps the Team: Builds problem-solving skills in a playful way.

16. The Emoji Story Game

• Description: Participants tell a story using only emojis in the chat, and others try to guess it.
• Why It’s Good: Adds a playful twist to storytelling.
• How It Helps the Team: Boosts creativity and engagement in a visual format.

17. Virtual Team Building Challenges

• Description: Set collaborative goals like building a virtual Lego set using online tools.
• Why It’s Good: Encourages teamwork in a shared goal-oriented activity.
• How It Helps the Team: Strengthens collaboration and problem-solving skills.

18. Impromptu Creative Challenges

• Description: Give participants 2 minutes to sketch or describe their dream office.
• Why It’s Good: Provides a break from routine while sparking creativity.
• How It Helps the Team: Encourages self-expression and inspires discussions.

19. Virtual Team Bingo

• Description: Create bingo cards with relatable prompts like “Attended a meeting in pajamas.”
• Why It’s Good: Encourages humor and shared experiences.
• How It Helps the Team: Builds rapport through lighthearted connections.

20. Light-Hearted Competitions

• Description: Host virtual competitions like “Best Zoom Background” or “Funniest Virtual Costume.”
• Why It’s Good: Adds excitement and energy to meetings.
• How It Helps the Team: Promotes creativity and engagement.

Podcast Transcript

All right, welcome back for episode eight of The Modern Office.

Woo! Episode eight already.

I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were

getting started.

Yeah. And today we're tackling something that I think a lot of us can relate to.

Virtual meetings.

Everyone's got them these days.

Yeah. Are you even like slightly excited for your next one, though?

Maybe not.

Yeah. I'm not sure I am either. But what if I told you there's a way to actually make them

the fun?

Fun.

Good.

Yeah. We're diving deep into virtual meeting. games today.

Oh, I'm listening.

And I promise this isn't about like cheesy trust falls or

Oh, god. No.

Awkward ice breakers.

Oh, no. No.

It's really more about injecting some energy.

Yeah.

Some genuine connection into those digital spaces.

Absolutely. You know, we spend so much time staring at screens

all day.

Why not use that time to actually build some rapport and have a little fun with our colleagues, you know?

I love that. And the best part is these games can be so valuable beyond just the fun factor.

Oh, for sure. Think about it. In a remote world, we miss out on those like water cooler chats. Yeah.

The team lunches, right?

And games can kind of fill that gap a little bit.

You know, they can foster creativity, collaboration, communication skills,

all in this low pressure environment.

Absolutely. It's like sneaking in a workout while you're watching your favorite TV show.

Okay.

I like that. You're having fun, but you're also getting something really beneficial out of it.

I'm in. So, where do we start? We all know those first few minutes of a meeting can be

Oh, there. awkward.

Yeah.

People are trickling in. Microphones are being tested. It's not exactly like

a recipe for a great meeting.

No, not at all.

Right. And that's where a wellchosen ice broker can be a total game changer.

Okay.

But I'm not talking about, you know, those generic share your favorite hobby prompts. Right.

Let's get a little more creative.

I like it.

Have you ever tried rapid fire questions with a twist?

Ooh, I like where this is going. What kind of twist?

Instead of just like basic questions, let's make them workrelated but with a fun spin. So for example, if you could have any superpower for a day at work, what would it be and why?

Or if our team was a famous band, which one would we be?

I love that.

It gets people thinking creatively and it reveals something about their personalities.

It's way more engaging than just saying, you know, listing your favorite ice cream flavor or something.

Exactly.

What about a game that encourages people to think outside the box a little bit?

Ooh, there's this game called Oneword Story. telling that can really get the creative juices flowing.

Okay.

Basically, each person takes turns adding one word at a time to build a story.

Interesting.

It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how quickly things can get weird and wonderful.

Hold on. That's like it could go off the rails fast.

It can.

Isn't there a risk of it becoming chaotic or people just getting lost?

There's definitely a bit of an art to it. Okay.

As the facilitator, you can set some light guidelines like a theme or a starting sentence. You can also encourage people to kind of build on each other's ideas and try to create a cohesive narrative. And if things do start to get a little too wild, you can always just gently steer the story back on track.

Okay, I'm sold. That sounds like a great way to warm up the brain a little bit.

Yeah,

encourage collaborative storytelling.

For sure.

But what if you want something that really gets people thinking strategically?

Ooh. Then let's introduce a little friendly competition.

Okay.

Virtual riddles can be surprisingly effective.

Okay.

And you can tailor them to your team or industry.

Oh, that's smart.

So, for example, if you work in marketing, you could use riddles about like famous ad campaigns or brand slogans.

That's such a good idea.

You're not just solving the riddle. You're also tapping into your industry knowledge.

It's like a mental workout with a professional development bonus.

Exactly.

I have to admit, I'm terrible at riddles.

Oh.

Is there a game that's a little less about pure brain power and more about getting to know each other on like a personal level?

Absolutely. Two truth. in a lie is a classic for a reason.

Oh, yeah.

It's simple, it's fun, and it can reveal some surprising things about your colleagues. Plus, it encourages active listening and critical thinking as everyone tries to figure out which statement is the lie.

It can hit so many different levels with just one game,

right?

You're getting to know people. You're having fun. You're subtly sharpening those analytical skills.

Exactly.

But let's be honest, sometimes you just need a good laugh.

Oh, yeah.

What about a game that's purely for fun and stress relief?

How about a virtual version of Pictionary.

Oh, come on.

It's a classic for a reason.

It is.

And with all the online whiteboard tools available now, it's easier than ever to play remotely.

That's true.

Plus, it's a great way to encourage visual communication and see how different people interpret the same concept.

Oh, I can already imagine the hilarious misinterpretations and creative drawings.

Oh, absolutely.

You know, you mentioned online whiteboard tools. Do you have any recommendations?

Definitely. Tools like Muro and Mural are great for collaborative brainstorming and visualization.

Okay.

They offer a range of features from basic drawing tools to pre-made templates for specific activities.

That's super helpful. I'm always looking for new ways to make those online brainstorming sessions more engaging.

And it's not just about brainstorming, you know.

Yeah,

you can use these tools to create visual agendas, capture meeting notes, or even just doodle together for fun.

I love that.

It's all about finding ways to make the virtual space more interactive and dynamic.

I am really digging all all of these ideas.

It's amazing how a simple game

can transform a meeting

from a boring obligation to a chance to connect and collaborate and maybe even learn something new.

Exactly. It's about finding the right game for the right moment and using it as a tool to enhance communication, foster creativity, and build stronger relationships within your team.

Yeah.

Which ultimately, I think, benefits everybody.

It's interesting how these games can actually mirror the dynamics of real world projects.

Oh, totally. Like take the five-minute debate for example.

You're not arguing about anything serious, just light-hearted topics, right?

But you're still practicing those essential skills of persuasion, you know, concise communication and respectful disagreement. Those are invaluable in any work environment, especially remote ones where, you know, clear and concise communication is key.

It's like a low stakes training ground for those highstakes situations that we inevitably face at work.

Exactly.

But the can get heated.

Oh, yeah.

Even when they're about silly things.

Oh, for sure.

What if things get out of hand?

Yeah, that's where the facilitator comes in.

Okay.

Setting clear ground rules up front is essential.

Good point.

Remind everyone that it's about friendly debate, not personal attacks,

and keep the time limit strict. 5 minutes is usually enough to get the point across without things going off the rails.

That's a good tip. A little structure can go a long way in keeping things fun and productive.

Absolutely.

Speaking of structure, what about a game that involves a bit more physical activity.

Okay,

we've been talking about screen fatigue a lot lately.

Oh, I've got just the thing, a virtual scavenger hunt.

Okay,

it's surprisingly engaging and it gets people moving.

How does that work virtually?

You can create clues related to work, like find something that represents your biggest accomplishment this month or find an object that inspires your creativity.

I love that you're getting people up and out of their chairs exploring their surroundings. and revealing a bit of their personality in the process.

Yeah, it's like a mini office tour,

but everyone gets to be the tour guide.

I love that.

Okay, I'm officially convinced that games can be a powerful tool for remote teams.

Me, too.

But what if you're dealing with a team that's like hesitant to try this?

Yeah.

How do you convince them that it's not a waste of time?

I think framing it in terms of return on investment can be helpful. Instead of saying let's play a game,

you know, position it as a team building activity, okay,

that will improve communication, problem solving, and even boost morale.

It's like saying, "Hey, let's invest 15 minutes in something that will make us more effective and happier as a team."

Exactly. Who wouldn't want that?

No. What?

You can even gather data to support your case after a few game sessions, conduct a quick anonymous survey. You know, ask the team if they've noticed any positive changes in their communication or collaboration.

That's a great idea. Having some concrete evidence can really make a difference, especially for those who are data driven.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, but let's be real. Some people are just naturally competitive.

Oh, yeah.

Are there games that tap into that competitive spirit without creating like a toxic environment?

Oh, absolutely. Virtual trivia is always a hit.

Oh, yeah.

You can create categories related to your work industry or even pop culture.

Okay.

And the beauty of trivia is that everyone has different areas of expertise.

Great.

So, it's a great way to level the playing field and let people shine in unexpected ways.

I remember playing a trivia game at a company retreat once. And it was amazing how people who were usually quiet in meetings suddenly became like the star players.

Yes.

It was a totally different side of them.

Exactly. Games can reveal hidden talents and create opportunities for people to step outside their usual roles. And when you have that kind of positive energy flowing, it can spill over into other areas of work.

For sure.

Okay. So, we've covered a lot of fun and engaging games.

We have.

But what if you want to go a little deeper?

Deeper?

You mean like emotionally deeper?

Yeah. Yes, games can be a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding within a team.

Okay.

Have you ever played would you rather in a work setting?

You mean like would you rather work from home forever or go back to the office?

Exactly. But you can get even more creative with your prompts. Think, would you rather have the ability to read minds or become invisible or would you rather have unlimited vacation time or a 4-day work week?

Okay,

these kinds of questions spark fascinating discussions and reveal people's values and priorities in a way that's both fun and insightful.

I love how those seemingly silly questions can lead to such deep conversations,

right?

It's a great way to get to know your colleagues on a more human level. But what if you want something a bit more personal, something that really encourages people to open up and share about themselves?

Show and tell can be a surprisingly effective tool for that.

You might sound a bit childish.

Yeah.

But the act of sharing something meaningful,

whether it's a favorite object, a hobby, or a travel story

can create a sense of vulnerability and connection that's hard to replicate in a typical work setting.

I can see how that would be especially valuable for remote teams where people might not have a lot of opportunities to share those personal stories,

right?

It's like building a virtual scrapbook of the team's collective experiences and passions.

Exactly. And you can even tailor the theme to your team's interests. Okay. For example, if you have a team of foodies, you could do a show and tell. about your favorite recipes or cooking gadgets.

Ooh, that's a fun.

It's a great way to bond over shared interests and learn something new about each other.

This episode is totally changing my perspective on virtual meetings. I'm already brainstorming all the different games I can try with my team.

You know, as we've been talking, I've been thinking about how these virtual meeting games can benefit not just work teams, but also individuals who are feeling isolated or disconnected.

That's such a good point. It's so easy in a remote world feel like you're working in a silo, you know?

Yeah.

Disconnected from your colleagues and kind of the larger community.

And that isolation can really take a toll.

Oh, yeah.

On our mental health and wellbeing.

Absolutely.

Games can offer a sense of belonging and connection and just plain fun.

Yeah.

That can really help counteract those feelings of loneliness.

It's like creating a virtual water cooler, you know, a space where you can casually chat,

share a laugh, just be yourself without the pressure of work.

I love that. And for people who are naturally introverted or shy.

Yeah.

Games can provide a safe and structured way to participate and connect with others.

Totally. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about contributing in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for you.

Exactly.

Yeah.

So, we've explored a ton of different games from ice breakers to brain teasers to collaborative challenges.

We have.

Is there one type of game that you find particularly effective for remote teams?

You know, it really depends on the team's specific needs and goals. But I will say that games that encourage creative expression tend to be really powerful.

Oh, interesting. Why is that?

Because creativity is all about thinking outside the box, coming up with new ideas, and finding innovative solutions to problems. Yeah.

And those are skills that are essential for any team, especially in such a rapidly changing world.

So, a game like Online Pictionary or one-word storytelling isn't just about having fun, it's actually helping to build those creative muscles.

Exactly. And you'd be surprised at how simple game can unlock hidden talents and inspire people to think differently.

What about a game that's specifically designed to boost morale? We've all had those days where the team just needs a little pickme up.

Oh, for sure. In those situations, I would recommend a light-hearted and nostalgic game like Guess the Baby Picture. It's amazing how a simple photo can spark so much joy and laughter.

I can already picture everyone trying to guess who's who, sharing stories of their childhoods, just having a good laugh together.

Yeah,

it's a reminder that we're all just kids at heart.

We are even in the midst of our busy work lives.

Exactly. And sometimes that's all you need to kind of shift the energy and create a more positive and connected atmosphere.

I love it. Well, I think the takeaway here is that virtual meeting games have the power to transform not just our meetings, but also our overall work experience.

I agree.

They can help us build stronger teams, boost morale, foster creativity, and most importantly, remind us that we're all human beings with a need for connection and play.

We are human after all.

I don't know about about you, but I'm feeling inspired to inject a little more fun and playfulness into my virtual meetings.

Me, too. It's time to ditch those boring agendas and embrace the power of games to create a more engaging, connected, and human- centered virtual workplace.

Yes. Well, thank you so much for joining us for this deep dive into the world of virtual meeting games.

It's been a pleasure.

We hope you've walked away with some new ideas and a renewed sense of excitement for your next online gathering.

Absolutely.

Remember, it's not about being perfect or winning. It's about connecting, collaborating, and having a little fun along the way.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

So, go out there, unleash your inner child, and let the games begin.