Human Knot

Remember Twister (the game)? That’s it.

Duration Attendees Remote
~ 30 min >30

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The Human Knot is a popular team-building icebreaker that requires participants to work together to untangle a "human knot" without letting go of each other's hands. The activity encourages effective communication, problem-solving skills, and teamwork among participants.

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🎓 How to use it



To play the Human Knot, have your group stand in a circle and reach out to grab the hands of two different people (who are not standing next to them). Without letting go of their hands, participants must work together to untangle the knot they have created, without breaking the chain. Participants can step over or under other participants' arms to try and untangle themselves, but cannot let go of each other's hands. Once the knot is untangled, the group should form a circle again.





🎯 Objective



The objective of the Human Knot is to encourage teamwork and communication among participants. By working together to untangle the knot, participants must practice effective communication, problem-solving, and trust.





🤔 When to use it



The Human Knot is a great icebreaker to use at the beginning of a team-building session or workshop. It can also be used as a mid-point energizer to help break up longer sessions.





🥳 Fun facts and good to know



The Human Knot can be adapted to suit different group sizes and settings. You can also add additional constraints to increase the difficulty level, such as requiring participants to complete the task with their eyes closed or to untangle themselves in a limited amount of time.





📔 Sources



  • "The Big Book of Team Building Games" by John W. Newstrom and Edward E. Scannell
  • "101 Ways to Make Training Active" by Melvin L. Silberman
  • "Icebreakers: A Sourcebook of Games, Exercises, and Simulations" by Ken Jones




  • 🧰 Quick Takeaway



    The Human Knot is a classic team-building icebreaker that encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills among participants. It is a versatile icebreaker that can be adapted to suit different group sizes and settings, making it a great addition to any team-building session or workshop. By fostering trust and effective communication among participants, the Human Knot can help build a stronger and more cohesive team.



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