Team Shield

Purpose

Team Shield (or Coat of Arms) is a visual exercise where small groups collaboratively design a shield that represents their shared identity. By filling quadrants with symbols for values, strengths, goals, and a motto, teams articulate what they stand for. It works brilliantly for newly formed teams or the start of a long project.

At a glance

• Group size: 8–40 (in groups of 3–6)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Facilitation style: Small group creative work
• Setting: In-person or virtual (shared whiteboard)

How to run

1. Split into small groups (3–6 people).
2. Give each group a large sheet of paper divided into four quadrants plus a banner at the bottom.
3. Assign each quadrant a theme: (1) Our strengths, (2) Our values, (3) Our goal for this session/project, (4) What we need from each other.
4. The banner holds the team motto.
5. Groups have 10 minutes to draw (symbols, not words where possible).
6. Each group presents their shield to the room (2 minutes each).

Materials needed

• Large paper or flipchart sheets
• Coloured markers
• Optional: shield template handouts

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Over-thinking the art: Emphasise that stick figures and symbols are perfect. This is not an art contest.
• Too many quadrants: Four is enough; more becomes overwhelming.
• No presentation round: The share-back is where teams bond with the wider group.
• Rushing it: Give a full 10 minutes for creation.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Virtual: use a shared whiteboard tool (Miro, FigJam).
• No physical movement required beyond drawing.
• For participants uncomfortable with drawing, one person can be the designated illustrator while others contribute ideas verbally.
• Accessible across cultures — symbols are universal.

Variations

• Personal shield: Each individual creates their own coat of arms.
• Project shield: Focus all quadrants on the specific project or workshop.
• Shield evolution: Revisit and update the shield at the end of the programme.

When NOT to use this

• In very short sessions where 15 minutes cannot be spared.
• When teams are temporary and will not work together beyond this session.
• If "coat of arms" feels culturally inappropriate — rename it (team poster, team flag).

Source & further reading

• Inspired by heraldic traditions, adapted for team development.
• Widely used in Agile team chartering, leadership development, and school programmes.