The Pyramid Game™ | Teamwork Training Activity

There is some urgency as the pyramid must be completed before the elderly Pharaoh dies.

Decide whether to build a single large pyramid or two small ones, which stone quarry to use and on which site to build. At the same time you need to work out how much it will cost, stay in budget and assess how long it’s all going to take - the Pharaoh is not getting any younger. In addition, in face-to-face sessions of The Pyramid Game, a scale model is needed - so the Pharaoh sees what he’s getting for his money. In virtual sessions there is, instead, a 'Squares Problem', which if resolved correctly will give gravitas to the team's reputation. An impressive sales slogan to appeal to his emotions is needed. Finally teams make short presentations - along with all the other contenders. The cheapest quote for building, within budget and within the time frame, wins - and in the event of a tie, the sales slogan and quality of the presentation will be the deciding factors.

Plenty for teams to display their skills – and plenty to assess (Observer’s Forms supplied). This is a timeless Northgate activity aimed at improving teamwork, very popular, and excellent value.

• To work as an efficient team
• To communicate well within the team
• To have a structure to the team objective
• To consider various options and select objectively
• To manage the time effectively
• The impact of a good presentation

1. Divide participants into groups.
2. Explain how the activity works.
3. Issue Briefing Materials.
4. If possible, allocate an observer to each group.
5. When time is up, listen to the presentations and assess their proposal and their performance.
6. Lead a Debrief on team performance and lessons learned.
7. Allow observers to give feedback and announce the winner.

Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.

• Trainer’s Notes (Face-to-Face and Virtual Versions)
• Team Brief (Face-to-Face and Virtual Versions)
• The Pyramid Template (for Face-to-Face sessions)
• Team Review (Face-to-Face and Virtual Versions)
• The Squares Problem (for Virtual sessions)
• Map
• Builder's Message
• Observer's Form

This activity is for face-to-face and virtual training. It is supplied digitally via the Northgate Trainerhub. No delivery charges apply.

This Northgate Training activity comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants at a time, for use by Trainers based at one licence-holding site.

All Trainers physically based at the same office location can access the Northgate resources during the five-year term, including the digital resources supplied on the Trainerhub via your own site-specific Trainer Dashboard. If you have Trainers based at other locations, and/or remote workers, who would like to access and use the Northgate resources, we can advise further depending on your requirements.

For further information on our licence terms please view the Northgate Licence Agreement.