FAQ

Q: What makes Make Believe Works different from other team-building companies?
A: Most team-building is about games or icebreakers. At Make Believe Works, we design playful, imaginative experiences that spark trust, creativity, and connection. Our workshops aren’t about competition — they’re about discovery. By blending imagination and psychological safety, we help teams feel both safe enough to open up and brave enough to take meaningful risks together.

Q: How can creative team-building improve workplace culture?
A: Creative team-building gives people permission to show up as more than just their job titles. When colleagues share ideas, stories, or playful risks, they build empathy and trust. That sense of connection translates into better collaboration, stronger communication, and a workplace where people feel both supported and inspired.

Q: Do you offer team-building workshops in specific cities?
A: Yes! We lead experiences in cities across North America — from New York to Montreal, Boston to San Francisco. Each workshop is tailored to the location and the team. If you don’t see your city listed, just ask — we often travel to bring Make Believe Works experiences wherever teams need us. We also customize experiences for virtual or hybrid teams, so geography never gets in the way of connection.

Q: What if my team isn’t “creative”? Will this still work?
A: Absolutely. Our workshops are designed for everyone — not just people who see themselves as “creative.” Our activities are much more about empathy than artistry. We use creativity to create an environment where the risk of trying something new feels small, but the reward of connection feels big. That’s what we call safe danger: the sweet spot where people feel secure enough to be authentic and bold enough to surprise themselves.

Q: What types of teams are these workshops best for?
A: We’ve worked with teams at Google, Pixar, American Express, Stripe, and startups of every size. We’ve worked with lawyers, marketers, accountants, designers, and doctors. The common thread isn’t industry — it’s the desire for a team culture built on trust, empathy, and creativity. Whether your team is brand-new or long-established, Make Believe Works can help you see each other in a new light.

Q: How do your workshops support psychological safety?
A: Psychological safety means people feel they can take risks without fear of embarrassment or punishment. Our workshops are designed to make those small, meaningful risks fun — sharing a personal story, trying something unexpected, or imagining a new possibility. That combination of safety and challenge deepens connection and unlocks innovation

Q: What is “safe danger” and why is it important for teams?
A: Safe danger is the emotional zone where people feel secure enough to open up but challenged enough to stretch themselves. In that zone, small risks — like sharing an unfinished idea or admitting uncertainty — actually build trust, spark innovation, and strengthen team culture.

Q: Can you run workshops for remote or hybrid teams?
A: Definitely. Our virtual experiences are just as playful and meaningful as our in-person ones. They’re designed to break through Zoom fatigue and give teams a sense of genuine connection, even across screens.

Q: How long do your workshops usually last?
A: Most workshops run between 1-2 hours. We also design half-day and full-day programs depending on your goals. The experiences are flexible enough to fit into offsites, retreats, or regular team meetings.

Q: What kinds of outcomes can we expect after a session?
A: Teams leave with stronger trust, a sense of shared humanity, and energy that carries into their work. Many leaders tell us the impact lasts well beyond the session — colleagues feel more open, collaborative, and willing to take creative chances together.

Q: Can these workshops help new teams bond quickly?
A: Yes! When people are new, they often hesitate to take risks. Our workshops give them a safe, shared experience right away, creating the kind of trust and rapport that usually takes months to build.

Q: Do you customize workshops for each team?
A: Absolutely. Every team has its own story. We tailor activities to match your culture, your goals, and even the energy of the group on the day of the workshop. No two sessions are the same.

Q: Are your workshops better suited for small or large groups?
A: Both. We design experiences for intimate teams of 6–8 people as well as large groups of 100+. In larger settings, we often break people into smaller circles so everyone gets a chance to connect.

Q: Do you offer one-time sessions or ongoing programs?
A: Both. Many clients bring us in for a one-time event like a retreat, while others book recurring sessions to get compounding returns—more trust, more candor, more creativity—all year round.

Q: How much do workshops cost?
A: We are definitely more expensive than mini-golf, but our clients tell us we’re definitely worth it. Pricing depends on the format, size, and location of your event. We offer flexible packages to fit different team needs and budgets. We never want price to be a barrier. Reach out, and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Q: Can leaders participate, or is this just for staff?
A: Leaders are encouraged to join. When leaders take part in playful risk-taking, it models openness and trust for the whole team — and often sparks some of the most memorable moments.

Q: What if my team is skeptical about “team-building”?
A: We hear this a lot — and for good reason. Many people have had awkward, forced, or pointless team-building experiences in the past — including our founders! That’s why we focus on genuine connection — not cheesy games. Our activities are designed so that everyone leaves with new insights and understandings about their colleagues and themselves. In fact, skeptics usually end up being the ones who enjoy it most.

Q: Can you run a workshop for a global or multicultural team?
A: Yes. Our activities are designed to be inclusive and adaptable across cultures. We’ve run sessions with teams spanning multiple countries, and the themes of trust and connection translate universally.

Q: What’s the first step if we want to work with you?
A: Just get in touch! We’ll schedule a short conversation to learn about your team’s needs and goals. From there, we’ll suggest a workshop format that’s the best fit.

Q: Do you offer workshops tied to conferences or big events?
A: Absolutely. We often design sessions for company offsites, leadership retreats, and conferences. They’re a great way to energize a group, break down barriers, and leave people with a memorable shared experience.

Q: Do you offer package deals that include a copy of Safe Danger for each participant.
A: Yep. Safe Danger is a great complement to the workshops and we’re happy to bundle them at a discount.

Q: I have another question.
A: Great! Just reach out and we can answer whatever you have in mind.