When we lead lead team building workshops, one exercise that consistently stands out. In fact, many clients tell us it’s the a highlight of their experience.
It’s called “The New Product Game.” It’s a staple of our improv workshop for corporate offsites because it delivers a level of fun and engagement with leading to insights and discussion
A Laboratory for New Ideas
The biggest fear we hear when someone considers an improv workshop is: “Are you going to make me stand on a stage alone and be funny?” The answer is a hard no. Our job as a facilitators is to make you look good, not uncomfortable. The New Product game is a 100% group-focused activity where the pressure is shared. It’s a team sport, not a talent show. And it works for all organizations, not just product development and marketing.
Here’s the exercise. W ask the teams to invent a product that is completely different from what their company actually provides. We encourage a product creation that wouldn’t likely exist in the real world. By stepping outside the constraints of the team’s actual focus and expertise,, we lower the stakes. This allows people to truly embrace “Yes, And” and push the boundaries of the status quo without the fear of a “bad” collaboration.
How The New Product Game Works: Dev and Marketing
We split the room into two groups: Product Development and Marketing.
- The Sprint: Team A, the Product Team has five minutes to “invent” this fictional product. They aren’t looking for a viable startup; they’re looking for a clear, consistent concept they can hand off.
- The Strategic Handoff: They have two minutes to brief the Marketing Team, Team B. This simulates the real-world challenge of passing knowledge between departments under a tight deadline.
- The Big Pitch: The Marketing Team has 5 minute takes those features and to turns them them into a 60-second live commercial, complete with a name and a catchy slogan.
- Turning the Tables: Now Team B develops the product and Team A creates and presents the commercial
- The Debrief: Depending on how much integration and learning you are looking for, we follow-up with a discussion of the experience and insights gained. Or, if you are just looking for plain old fun – we can leave it at that!
Because the time limits are short and the products are imaginary, the energy stays high. The focus remains on the process of collaboration rather than the perfection of the result.
Why this Game is a Proven High Value Exercise
This exercise isn’t just about laughs. It’s applied improv designed for improving communication skills and expanding willingness to take risks. When we wrap up a workshop, your team is not only energised and connected the have new tools for:
- The “Yes, And” Mindset: Learning how to build on a colleague’s idea instead of reflexively shutting it down to protect the status quo. There is a time for critical assessment, but not before ideas are fully explored.
- Clarity Under Pressure: Seeing exactly what happens when a handoff between teams is muddy versus when it’s crystal clear.
- Creative Problem Solving: Training the brain to think outside the typical “corporate” box to find innovative solutions.
Ready to explore bring this powerful tool to your team? If your team needs a reset and new skills, reach out or schedule a short call with us. We’ll build a session tailored to your group’s size and how much they’re willing to lean in, ranging from just-for-fun to more reflective and skill building focused programs.