The secretive Skull and Bones society asks all new members to recount their sexual history with the rest of the group.
This is a deliberate shortcut to bond the group together. The secret is intimacy and experiences.
Recovering alcoholics share details of their problems, it helps the group develop. Strangers bond when the elevator breaks. Employees bond when they overcome a challenge, the rugby team bonds on tour.
Bonding is as important as growing. Create the space for bonding to happen. Launch events for your community to participate in. Encourage sub-groups and competition. Highlight challenges to overcome and find successes to celebrate.