Easy TeamBuilding Assistant

Detailed Explanatory Notes

So you want some teambuilding. We don’t want to waste your time or money (or indeed ours) so let’s explore the options and build a specification.

Some elements are fairly straightforward and can be provided ‘off-the-shelf’. Others require assessment, analysis and a greater or lesser degree of tailored design to ensure the required result!

One common problem is the picture that many people have in their minds of what ‘teambuilding’ is. Naturally, this varies from person to person and is also dependant on their culture, experiences and preferences! Unfortunately this often leads to buying decisions based on personal stereotypes and interests which, at worst, may be perceived as a resented imposition by those upon whom those decisions are imposed!

Just to illustrate why we should look beyond instant ideas & quick fixes -

A team day spent abseiling and quad bike trekking (i.e. activities that centre around the 'individial' as opposed to the 'group') will hardly consolidate a team in the formation process. However, this kind of day might be just the thing for a team that is in dire need of recognition for a project well done plus it might also motivate the team to take on new projects in the next working cycle . . .

Similarly, a three day event concentrating on the analysis of effective techniques leading to success in highly competitive situations is hardly likely to enthuse or develop much of value in a team whose success depends upon interdependence and collaboration! On the other hand - it may be a powerful way of preparing a sales team and their support staff in the run up to a critical product launch.

So... to begin at the beginning which, in this case is the end! What is the situation and what is the desired outcome? See if you can identify where you are on the 'spectrum' (Part ii).

It helps if you try to put out of your mind any ideas of what to do and try to focus on what the result or purpose is of what you are planning.

Actually we should point out at this stage that ‘Serious’ does not mean no fun, only that fun should be applied in service of the results rather than to divert from them if you are to achieve significant change or learning!

Anyway, it’s time to have a go!

NEXT >> Part (ii) of Qualify Your 'Team Building Requirement'