In our world full of images and impressions, we often take for granted what we see. But this can sometimes be an obstacle in teams: we judge too quickly, are deceived by appearances, or overlook subtle signals. More and more companies are discovering blind team games – cooperative games without sight that build genuine trust. Today, they are an exciting part of many modern teambuilding events.
When the sense of sight is suddenly switched off, we are forced to use other skills: attentive listening, clear description, precise instructions, and sensitivity. This allows teams to grow together on a whole new level. Suddenly, status or role no longer matter, but mutual support and communication do. Trust arises not because we control, but because we experience each other1.
Games that surprise
There are many ways to design a blind team game: from a small trust course to tricky group tasks where no one is allowed to see. All pursue one goal: to build trust without using the eyes.
- 🧭 blind guidance using only speech
- ✋ feeling and naming objects
- 👐 puzzling materials together
- 🗺️ orienting together in the room
A particularly versatile example is the Feel & Find game set. The set contains various tactile objects and tasks specifically designed to promote the sense of touch and communication within the team. Players feel different geometric or tactile interesting shapes and try to assign them together or develop a story from them. This creates a communication game that fosters team spirit, patience, and precise communication.
Fun Fact
😎 Did you know that up to 80 percent of our sensory impressions come through the eyes? As soon as we block this channel, the brain activates entirely new areas – basically free brain jogging including team power!
By the way, researchers have found that people without sight can improve their reaction time to sounds by up to 20% – a real advantage when it comes to quickly picking up signals in a team2.
More than a game
Blind team games are much more than a pastime. Those who try them quickly realize how much trust, consideration, and clear speaking are required. Studies from experiential education show that exactly this can sustainably strengthen trust1, because one relies on language, the sense of touch, and mutual help. Especially teams with many new members or after change processes benefit from this – they get into conversation playfully and break down barriers.
Such exercises not only promote trust but also the courage to delegate responsibility and listen to others. In many companies, they are a fixed part of leadership training because they loosen hierarchies and enable perspective shifts3.
Tips for the first try
If you want to lead a blind teambuilding event yourself, keep a few important points in mind:
- 🛡️ Remove trip hazards so no one gets hurt
- 📣 Explain rules calmly and clearly beforehand
- 💬 Plan time for exchange afterwards
- 🕰️ Give yourselves enough space for reflection
Especially valuable: include role switching. Whoever leads once may later also switch roles and trust blindly. This way, everyone experiences both perspectives and can take a lot from it. Small breaks between rounds also help to process experiences.
👉 Interesting: Researchers have found that teams behave more attentively with each other in everyday life after such exercises because they have learned not to focus only on the obvious2.
Fun Fact from Japan
🇯🇵 Blind team games are also popular in other cultures: In Japan, there is the traditional group game “Daruma-san ga koronda,” where participants must react to an acoustic signal while standing still with closed eyes or averted gaze. The goal: to move together as quietly and coordinated as possible without losing contact with the team. This exercise trains not only coordination but also strengthens respect and mindfulness. Such exercises are still a fixed part of school sports or teambuilding measures in Japanese clubs and are meant to promote consideration and community spirit.
Eyes closed and through!
Blind team games are more than a nice program item. They get teams to really work together, build trust, and show consideration. Anyone who has experienced how much you depend on others without sight takes valuable experiences back to the office. No wonder such methods are now a natural part of many teambuilding events. Typical team games that can be played with a blindfold are Fröbelturm, Kugelkurier, Feel & Find, Kreiselzeichner.
Sources
- [1] Priest, S., & Gass, M. A. (2017). Effective Leadership in Adventure Programming
- [2] Luckner, J. L., & Nadler, R. S. (1997). Processing the Experience
- [3] Lewicki, R. J., & Bunker, B. B. (1996). Developing and Maintaining Trust in Work Relationships
