Is the Trust Fall Exercise a Legit Team Building Technique? A Close Look

What is the Trust Technique?

The trust technique, also sometimes referred to as the "trust fall" or "blind trust fall", is an exercise that is often conducted as part of corporate team building events, camps, retreats, and other group activities. It is designed to build trust amongst members of a group.

The exercise typically involves participants standing with their backs facing a partner, crossing their arms across their chest, keeping their bodies completely rigid and straight, and then falling backward into the arms of their partner, relying entirely on the partner to catch them.

The goal of the trust technique is for the faller to build enough confidence in their partner to be willing to fall back with their eyes closed and no body movement, trusting that their partner will catch them before they hit the ground.

Origins of the Trust Technique

The origins of the trust technique activity are unclear, but it appears to have become popular in experiential education and corporate team building settings in the 1980s and 1990s. Some sources suggest it may have earlier roots in certain indigenous cultural practices involving trust games and exercises.

It was likely adapted into a structured group exercise focused on trust building by facilitators and leaders in the experiential education field.

How the Trust Technique Is Used

The process typically follows a specific structure:

• Participants pair up into partners.
• One partner stands with their back facing the other partner.
• The standing partner crosses their arms over their chest and keeps their body completely straight and rigid.
• When ready, the standing partner falls directly back, keeping their body straight, without bending at the waist.
• The catching partner stands behind and catches the falling partner, being careful to support the upper back and head.
• The falling process is repeated several times, with partners switching positions.

Some important guidelines include:

• The faller must stand straight and rigid without bending or preparing to catch themselves.
• The faller must keep their eyes closed and arms crossed over their chest.
• The catcher must stand close enough behind to catch the faller and must keep their hands up and ready.
• Communication between partners is key throughout the process.
• Partners should switch positions so each gets a chance to experience falling.
• Safety should always be the top priority.

Safety Considerations

Because the trust technique involves falling backward, often from heights above the ground, proper safety precautions need to be implemented:

• Carefully check the ground area where falling will take place to ensure it is flat and free of any obstructions.
• Have spotters ready to assist if needed.
• Ensure the catcher is physically capable of supporting the weight of their partner.
• Start with small trust falls from a height of just a few feet to assess capabilities.
• Do not attempt full trust falls from heights above waist level unless both partners demonstrate readiness.
• Remind catchers to bend their knees and keep their hands up ready to support the head and shoulders.

The trust technique should always be conducted carefully, especially when doing full trust falls from standing height. Stop immediately if any safety concerns arise.

The Benefits and Criticisms of the Trust Technique

Potential Benefits

When facilitated properly, there can be several potential benefits to the trust technique exercise:

• Builds trust - Forcing participants to rely on each other helps break down interpersonal barriers and build trust.
• Teaches communication - The exercise requires constant verbal and nonverbal communication between partners.
• Creates vulnerability - Letting go and trusting someone else makes participants vulnerable which can strengthen bonding.
• Boosts confidence - Successfully completing trust falls can give participants confidence in themselves and their partner.
• Encourages teamwork - Having to depend on others helps foster teamwork, supportiveness and empathy.

Criticisms

While benefits are claimed, the trust technique has also faced some criticisms:

• Forced vulnerability - Some argue that artificially manufacturing vulnerable scenarios pushes people beyond their comfort zones in problematic ways.
• Risk of harm - Falls carry inherent physical risks of injury or harm, despite safety precautions.
• Creates distrust - Falling can feel risky and scary, which may undermine trust rather than build it.
• Artificial environment - The structured exercise may not reflect real-world trust and teamwork scenarios.
• Not universally appropriate - Younger children, some cultural groups, or vulnerable populations may not be suitable participants.

Is the Trust Technique Legit?

It Depends on the Context

Whether or not the trust technique is an appropriate and beneficial exercise largely depends on the specific context and implementation:

• Participant characteristics - Age, background, physical and mental abilities, and degree of willingness to participate.
• Group dynamic - Level of familiarity, comfort, and existing trust between group members.
• Facilitation - The skill of facilitators in setting appropriate expectations, managing risks, reading group dynamics, and processing the experience is key.
• Environment - The trust exercise may fit better in certain types of experiential education or corporate team building environments versus schools or therapy.

Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use

Here are some guidelines for using the trust technique appropriately and effectively:

• Get informed consent from willing participants only.
• Carefully assess risks and start slowly.
• Keep safety the top priority over "success".
• Adapt the exercise and expectations based on characteristics of the group.
• Allow participants to opt out or set their own limits.
• Include thorough debriefing and processing time.
• Emphasize that the goal is building communication and understanding, not just completing the fall.
• Focus on fostering an environment of psychological as well as physical safety.

The Trust Technique Should Be One Tool Among Many

Rather than a stand-alone exercise, the trust technique is most legitimately used as one activity within a broader program of team building, communication, and trust enhancing experiences. It should be combined with other methods tailored to the specific group.

With careful implementation and as part of a thoughtful program, the trust technique can provide powerful learning experiences for many groups. However, it also has real risks that necessitate caution, preparation, and putting participant well-being first.

FAQs

What are the origins of the trust technique?

The exact origins are unclear, but it appears to have become popular in experiential education and corporate team building in the 1980s/1990s. It may have earlier roots in certain cultural practices involving trust games.

Is the trust technique risky?

Yes, there are inherent physical risks of falling that must be managed through safety precautions and careful facilitation. There can also be psychological risks if discomfort or distrust arises from the exercise.

What are the benefits of the trust technique?

Potential benefits include building trust, improving communication, creating vulnerability to strengthen bonding, boosting confidence, and encouraging teamwork and empathy.

Is the trust exercise appropriate for children?

Younger children are likely not suitable participants. Older youth may participate with guardian consent, additional precautions, and age-adapted guidance from trained facilitators.

Can anyone refuse to participate in the trust exercise?

Yes, informed consent and willingness to participate from each individual is essential. No one should ever be coerced or forced to participate in this type of activity.