How To Play The Human Knot Game

Created by:

Herman Otten
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The Human Knot is a fun and challenging game that requires communication, teamwork and problem solving. But how to play the human knot game? During this exercise everyone stands in a circle and hold the hands of someone who is not next to him. They can give each other spoken instructions on how to untangled themselves as fas they can. Then the team will try to unravel the human knot until they are standing in a circle holding hands again.
If you know how to play The Human Knot Game it can really help the team regarding interaction and problem-solving. It’s beneficial for teams for several reasons:

Team Cohesion: The Human Knot Game fosters a sense of unity within the team. As team members physically connect and rely on each other to unravel the knot, they experience a shared challenge that strengthens their bond.

Team Satisfaction: Successfully untangling the human knot leads to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction among team members. This positive experience can boost team morale and motivation.

Fun and Engagement: The game is fun and engaging, making it an enjoyable team-building exercise. Team members are more likely to actively participate and engage in the process, leading to better results.

Shared Experience: The Human Knot Game creates a shared experience that team members can reference in their interactions. Shared memories and challenges can strengthen the team’s sense of identity.

Adaptability: The game often requires adaptability as team members need to adjust their positions and strategies to overcome obstacles. This skill is essential in dynamic work environments where changes frequently occur.

Now you know how to play the human knot game, let’s give these variations a try:

Variation 1:
After the exercise you can ask everyone who they thought took the lead during the exercise. Let everyone tell who they think that was and how they felt under his or her leadership.

Variation 2:
You can also let them play the game without allowing them to give verbal instructions.