Why Does Trivia Work for Corporate Team Building?

I sometimes take it for granted, since I’ve been doing this for so long (over 15 years of TrivWorks – phew!). But trivia works perfectly for corporate team building – especially when compared with so many other activities which, frankly, don’t.

But why?

Why does answering questions together create a positive bonding experience? How does that improve the workplace – and with it, the bottom line? I’ve written about this subject before, however it’s been a little while, and I actually have some new theories. I thought I’d explore it a bit more expansively here.

Trivia Team Building is Competitive

I used to relegate this to a secondary reason, since I’m myself not a competitive person by nature. But having done this for a decade and a half, I think the competitive aspect of corporate trivia events really is key to their success as a bonding activity. I see it firsthand, all the time: people aren’t motivated and pumped to take home fancy prizes, or to stoke good-natured rivalry. They just want to beat the pants off of everyone else. To be crowned the champions, to WIN. That more than anything generates the energy which drives these events, which make them so spirited.

Corporate Trivia Nights are Fun

People love to have fun – who doesn’t? I’ve gotta tell you, though (and you probably already know this), most corporate team building activities are AWFUL. They suck! They’re cheesy, lame, boring, and actually demoralizing – the exact opposite of what they’re supposed to be. Trivia, on the other hand, is a blast. The energy created by competition I referenced above is palpable at these events, there’s no denying it. But also, it’s just a fun time getting questions right. It’s rewarding – even if you don’t win.

Trivia Events are Customizable

Before I got into trivia, I was freelancing in New York City as a corporate scavenger hunt writer, producer and host (yes, I’ve had quite an interesting career path). I enjoyed these events, and so did those participating, however it was clear to me that they were really hard to customize. Trivia, on the other hand, can be finely tailored not only to the purpose and goals of the event, but to the specific audience in attendance as well. This is huge from an audience impact perspective: the more personalized an experience is, the more relevant it is – meaning the more effective it becomes. (Click here for an article on how we customize our events).

Everyone Can Participate in Team Trivia

One immutable truth about this team building activity is that everyone can play. It doesn’t matter how old folks are, or if they’re infirm, or any other reason why they wouldn’t be able to partake in, say, a ropes course or scavenger hunt. With interactive corporate trivia, you’re literally sitting down at a table, talking and listening and collaborating and cheering. Who can’t do that?

Conclusion

I wouldn’t do what I’ve been doing for so long if I didn’t believe in it, and my clients wouldn’t hire me again and again if it didn’t work. The fact is, trivia is a proven, effective and engaging employee team building activity. All of the elements for creating a successful group bonding experience are there, and people legitimately walk away feeling like they had a positive outcome.

That’s the entire point, after all!

For further reading, visit “Trivia Team Building Vendor: Who Would Want This Job?? (Spoiler: Me)”