Comments on: Teambuilding 101

By: Scott Messinger

Scott Messinger — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:02:15 +0000

I have to admit that I’m cynical about these kind of “fun” activities. The problem I see is that such activities don’t relate well to office-work, and therefore, don’t really help build teamwork in an office environment.

Yeah recreational teams have a leader, and require teamwork. I suppose there is that vague connection. But just because your team-leader at the office is pretty good at his job, doesn’t mean that he’s going to be a good leader at a scavenger hunt, or paintball, or a white water rafting trip (and vice versa). And the supporting roles will be even more ambiguously defined than back in the office. What do you really think that your team will be able to take away from such an activity, that they can apply at their job?

And once they DO get back in the office, what’s changed? No matter how well everyone worked together during ‘team-building’ ,everything is the same. The job responsibilities, titles, structures, roadblocks, management, processes… all the same.

Try instead having a frank discussion with your team about what roadblocks they have in their jobs, and their ideas for improvement. Have the discussions both as a team, and privately. This will help you determine how to change the workplace so people are happier, more efficient, and work better together.

By: Lui Sieh

Lui Sieh — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:23:07 +0000

Hi Phil,

This is a great practical post on teambuilding. If a teambuilding event can achieve those, the value is there and people will respond well. Just an add-on for people working with virtual teams or teams whose members seldom see each other – it’s important that the teambuilding event allows people to know each other on a meaningful personal level.

YMMV though as cultural contexts and personal preference need to be factored into this and may not always work well. Still, I’ve found that most of the time, when the individuals got to know each other deeper, lots of good things happened: improved chemistry, more efficient and effective communications, better response times, more “chatter” …

Cheers,

By: team building houston

team building houston — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:01:45 +0000

They will be in charge of setting up events and even creating smaller teams within the team to mix and match the various skills that can be brought to the table by different personalities.The bonding experiences that are felt by the team have proven to create a more successful and relaxed work environment.

By: Dan Greeley

Dan Greeley — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:28:55 +0000

I like the thoughts of leaving non-players behind. We had a couple at our last event and I was amazed at the comments that continue to be made. I think I will leave them behind our next event. I wonder if non-players may turn into players after being left behind a few times?

By: Terrence Seamon

Terrence Seamon — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:52:37 +0000

Good post, Phil. And one that many team leaders will benefit by. I like your point about making (then eating) pizza!
For anyone looking to read a classic book on this topic, try Team Building by William Dyer.
Terry

By: Kris Bordessa

Kris Bordessa — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:46:41 +0000

- If it’s not an day-long intensive, keep the activities short.
- Level the playing field a bit if you’ve got some vocal team members who could be perceived as pushy: challenge the team to complete a NON verbal task.