P&G's "Bomb Squad": Defusing Challenges, Building Teams

Client Overview: Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer goods, is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and employee development. As part of its ongoing efforts to foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and high performance, P&G sought a team-building activity that would enhance communication and problem-solving skills across its diverse workforce.

Challenge: P&G wanted a team-building activity that could strengthen relationships, promote collaboration, and improve decision-making under pressure. The company aimed to bring together employees from different departments and levels of seniority to break down silos and improve cross-functional teamwork in a fun and engaging environment.

Solution: To meet these objectives, we proposed the "Bomb Squad" team-building exercise, designed to push teams out of their comfort zones, improve communication under pressure, and foster creative problem-solving. The activity simulates a high-stakes scenario where teams must work together to "defuse" a simulated bomb by solving puzzles and decoding clues, all while racing against the clock.

Execution: The Bomb Squad activity was conducted over several sessions, with teams of 5-10 participants tackling challenges designed to test their teamwork and communication abilities. Key elements of the activity included:

• Puzzle-solving: Teams were presented with complex puzzles requiring logic, strategy, and creative thinking to unlock clues and deactivate the bomb.

• Communication under pressure: Participants were given instructions that had to be clearly communicated between team members, emphasizing the importance of effective, concise messaging.

• Time-sensitive challenges: The teams had to manage time carefully, with the added urgency of the ticking bomb creating an exciting, adrenaline-filled atmosphere.

• Collaboration: Each task required team members to combine their unique skills and perspectives, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility.

Throughout the activity, facilitators provided guidance and feedback, ensuring a balance between fun and learning while promoting key lessons in teamwork and communication.

Outcomes: The Bomb Squad activity yielded impressive results for P&G, achieving the following outcomes:

• Enhanced Communication: Participants developed a deeper understanding of the importance of clear communication in a high-pressure environment. Team members learned to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and relay information accurately.

• Stronger Problem-Solving Skills: The exercise encouraged participants to think critically and creatively when solving complex problems. Teams enhanced their ability to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.

• Improved Collaboration: The activity highlighted the power of teamwork, with each member contributing their unique skills and expertise. The cross-functional nature of the exercise helped break down departmental barriers and improved inter-team relationships.

• Increased Trust: Working together to defuse the bomb required trust in each other’s abilities, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships and building a foundation of mutual respect among participants.

• Boosted Morale and Engagement: The fun and interactive nature of the activity left participants feeling energized and motivated, reinforcing a positive team culture and a sense of accomplishment.

Feedback from Participants: Participants from P&G reported that the Bomb Squad activity was an exciting and impactful experience. They expressed feeling more connected to their colleagues and appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from different departments and backgrounds. Many highlighted how the exercise improved their ability to think on their feet and communicate more effectively under pressure.

Conclusion: The Bomb Squad team-building activity successfully met P&G’s objectives of enhancing communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. By immersing participants in a high-pressure, collaborative environment, the exercise provided practical and impactful lessons that extended beyond the event itself. P&G employees walked away with a renewed sense of teamwork and a stronger commitment to working together to overcome challenges, both in the workplace and beyond.