A surprisingly effective team building experiment
Ever wonder what would happen if the person in charge suddenly disappeared? No calendar invites. No approvals. No one steering the ship.
Chaos? Maybe.
Leadership? Definitely.
That is exactly the scenario behind SpyGame, one of AdVenture Games Inc.’s most popular strategy and leadership experiences. The premise is simple and hilarious. The boss has been taken hostage. The team has ninety minutes to find them.
What unfolds is not panic. It is communication, delegation, creativity, and some unexpected heroes rising to the surface.
Why a High Pressure Scenario Builds Stronger Teams
When normal structure disappears, real dynamics appear. SpyGame removes titles, desks, and routines, replacing them with urgency and purpose. Suddenly the workday rules no longer apply.
People think differently.
They collaborate faster.
They show sides of themselves that rarely come out in meetings.
As Chad Michael, Founder of AdVenture Games Inc., puts it:
“When the pressure is on and the boss is off the grid, you see who can think clearly, communicate effectively, and bring people together. That is where real leadership shows up.”
Unexpected Benefits of a Kidnapped Boss Scenario
1. No One Is Watching the Clock
Late arrivals and dress codes fade into the background. What matters is contribution. Teams focus on the mission, not the minute hand.
2. Creativity Replaces Spreadsheets
SpyGame does not reward perfect formulas or polished decks. It rewards problem solving, observation, and clear thinking. Employees who rarely shine in traditional office tasks suddenly become invaluable.
3. Teams Bond Fast Under Pressure
A shared crisis brings people together quickly. Conversations deepen. Barriers drop. Laughter and trust build in real time.
4. Hidden Resources Come to Light
Yes, sometimes that means discovering secret candy stashes. More importantly, it means uncovering hidden skills, quiet leaders, and overlooked strengths.
5. Leadership Emerges Naturally
SpyGame creates space for someone to step up or for a team to unify behind a shared plan. Either way, participants experience what effective leadership and followership actually feel like.
Why SpyGame Works as a Team Building Tool
SpyGame is not about pretending to work together. It requires it.
Teams must:
• Communicate clearly
• Delegate tasks
• Manage time
• Adapt quickly
• Trust each other
The result is an experience that feels fun on the surface but delivers lasting lessons beneath it.
When the mission ends, the energy does not disappear. Teams keep talking about what worked, what did not, and how they can apply it back at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpyGame appropriate for all team sizes?
Yes. SpyGame scales from small teams to large groups and can be customized for different objectives.
What skills does SpyGame develop?
Leadership, communication, time management, trust, collaboration, and problem-solving. All of which are important elements for an effective team, says Forbes in this article.
Is SpyGame competitive or cooperative?
Both. Teams compete against time while working together internally to solve the mission.
Does the boss participate in the SpyGame?
Yes. Leaders often participate and gain valuable insight into how their teams operate under pressure. They have the option of being kidnapped or explaining that there has been a data breach. Ask our team for the full breakdown.
Ready to see how your team responds when leadership is tested, and collaboration matters most? SpyGame from AdVenture Games Inc. delivers high-energy, high-impact team building that reveals strengths you did not know your team had.
Request a quote today and put your team to the test.
