As a principal, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strong relationships among staff members. At the beginning of the school year, we are focused on setting up classrooms, organizing materials, and preparing for students. However, it is just as important to invest time in building a cohesive team. Team building isn’t just a feel-good activity; it directly impacts collaboration, communication, and ultimately, student success.
When we take time to foster meaningful connections among staff through team building, it reduces the silo effect, miscommunication, and burnout. The time we invest also helps guard against new staff members feeling isolated and helps returning staff not fall into familiar cliques. Building a unified team enables us to share ideas more freely, support each other during challenges, and work more effectively toward shared goals.
One of the best tools I’ve used for team building comes from the work of Chad Littlefield, co-author of Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter. His approach emphasizes authentic connection through curiosity and intentional conversation. Many of his icebreakers require little preparation and can be implemented immediately, making them perfect for those first few staff meetings.
Here are five of my favorite icebreakers from Chad Littlefield’s work to kick off your school year:
1. If You Really Knew Me…
Purpose: Builds vulnerability and trust.
Tools Needed: None.
How to Do It: Ask staff to complete the prompt “If you really knew me, you’d know…” in pairs or small groups. Encourage them to go beyond surface-level facts. This opens the door to deeper understanding and empathy among colleagues.
2. The Curiosity Card Game
Purpose: Promotes meaningful conversation and listening.
Tools Needed: A set of question cards (you can use the We! Connect Cards or make your own with open-ended questions from Ask Powerful Questions). Free We Connect Cards can be found with a quick Google search.
How to Do It: Each person draws a card and answers the question. Others listen without interrupting. This is great for new staff who may be shy—it gives everyone a voice.
3. Common Ground Challenge
Purpose: Encourages team bonding through shared experiences.
Tools Needed: A timer or stopwatch.
How to Do It: In pairs or trios, give teams 90 seconds to find as many things in common as possible—outside of the obvious (like “we’re both teachers”). This encourages laughter and surprises as staff discover unexpected connections.
4. One Word Whip
Purpose: Gauges mood and builds shared awareness.
Tools Needed: None.
How to Do It: Go around the room and have each person say one word to describe how they’re feeling about the new school year. No explanations—just the word. This quick activity sets the emotional tone and promotes reflection.
5. Question Swap
Purpose: Builds rapport and encourages curiosity.
Tools Needed: Index cards and pens.
How to Do It: Each person writes a thought-provoking question (e.g., “What’s a moment in your life that shaped who you are?”). Cards are shuffled and redistributed. Participants find someone to ask and discuss their new question with. It’s a simple way to spark deeper conversations.
Team building is not about playing games—it’s about creating a space where every adult on campus feels seen, heard, and valued. When we do this well, it ripples outward: to our classrooms, to our hallways, and to every child we serve.
As we begin this new school year, it is important to commit to building not just strong lesson plans, but strong teams. Wishing each of you a year filled with connection, growth, and the kind of collaboration that makes a lasting impact.
TEPSA member Amy Bay has been in education for 19 years. She has served in an administrative role in both elementary and middle school for 16 years. Bay, a former TEPSA Region 6 President, is currently serving as Region 6 Advisor.
