Team Check by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
Your team is one of your most valuable resources. The right team makes work a pleasure and ensures that goals and objectives are consistently met. In order to have a team like this, it is important that they be cohesive and connected. That’s why it is critical to take time out for regular team building.
There are many different types of team building exercises. Many have become tired and cliché, but there are still plenty of activities you can do together that have an impact. Here are some things to consider.
- Fun activities work well. A night out of bowling, karaoke or golf can be a great team building experience. Giving your team a chance to blow off steam together offers a great bonding experience. It may have nothing to do with work, but it creates a connection that will carry over to the workplace.
- Consider something personal. Sometimes offering your team something that will benefit their personal life provides great benefit to their work life, as well. For example, a retreat that focuses on building your best life can offer both personal and career benefit to your employees. After all, people who are happy at home are much more productive employees.
- Get off campus. Whatever activity you choose, make it a point to get away from the office. Being away from work makes it much easier to focus on whatever skill or idea you’re working on.
- Your behavior as a leader during team building exercises is critical. At these events, strive to be part of the team, rather than the boss. The more you can interact as a peer, the more impact the event will have on your team.
Talk with your peers about successful team building events they’ve had with their staff. They can offer valuable advice about programs that work, and those that don’t. If you’ve never had a team building event, it’s especially important to choose wisely. If your first event goes well, employees will look forward to the next one. On the other hand, if the event is a bust, employees will dread the next event.
If you’ve never had a team building event with your staff, it’s important to plan one sooner rather than later. Building a team that is supportive of each other and connected as a team can be one of the best things you can do to ensure your business moves forward successfully.