Are you looking for team building activities to entertain your workforce and promote team bonding or, are you looking for more?
Signature Teambuilding is a team building service provider. We don’t normally provide do-it-yourself activities but keep reading, we have included some great resources for them in this post!
DIY activities have their place in the team building world but be careful with what you think they will achieve. DIY activities that are found online or in a book are often best classified as team BONDING not team BUILDING (more to come on this). If you are trying to do more than have fun, break the ice, or take a break during a long meeting, BEWARE! You are likely going to meet resistance from some of the participants by reinforcing the negative stereotypes that many people already have of “team building”. Whenever people see an agenda that includes phrases like “fun team building activities” or “team building activities”, you are sure to raise a few eyebrows. This may have exactly the opposite outcome of what you want. Another consideration is to know whether the person conducting the activity is skilled enough to do so. Sure, anyone can read a description of an activity and provide the materials needed but delivery and facilitation is both an art and a science that when delivered well looks incredibly easy. Are you sure you have what it takes?
“Two of the biggest obstacles to ensuring a successful experience. The first is mistaking team BONDING for team BUILDING and the next is not fully committing to outcome-based change.”
Team Bonding can be described this way:
- It is about having a good time. (“fun team building activities”)
- The focus is generally on the activity not outcomes.
- The duration is usually short. (“5-minute team building activities”)
- It may be something you can do yourself.
- Typically, it does not involve any learning.
- It is usually costs less than $50 pp or is free.
Team Building can be described this way:
- Is delivered by trained facilitator or professional.
- Is designed to achieve a particular goal or outcome.
- Has an intentional curriculum rather than a bunch of random activities that have no connection.
- Reflection and group debriefs are mandatory so participants reflect on their experience and relate those experiences back to the real work environment.
Professionally delivered Team Building programs have several advantages over DIY activities. First, experienced providers know how to engage everyone in the process, even those with “bad attitudes.” Second, the experiential activities will be carefully designed the considered for the audience, location, abilities, and goals of the group. Third, using a professional provider will save you time, reduce the possibility of embarrassment and increase the value and credibility of the time spent. Finally, real team BUILDING doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of time or money.
“I didn’t even want to come to this, but I am really glad I did. This was different than other team building things I have done. I actually learned something!”
This is a quote we hear after almost every program we do. So many people have had their negative stereotypes reinforced about team building that even the words “team building” send some people into a downward spiral before they even show up.
So, what’s the lesson learned?
First, what are you trying to accomplish? Team BONDING or team BUILDING?
Second, what is the pulse of the group? How do they feel about participating in activities like this?
Third, are you up to the task? Are you a dynamic presenter with a proven track record?
Fourth, will it ad value?
If you are confident and ready to deliver your own activities, good for you! I am rooting for you and wish you the best of luck! Here are some terrific resources from some friends that offer a bunch of FREE activities.
If on the other hand you are not quite sure what you need or which direction to go in or if you have really never considered a professional team building provider, give us a call or send us an email. We will be happy to share our 30+ years of experience with you. We aren’t going to try to sell you anything! Either our programs make sense and are a good fit for your organization or they are not. We never take on work where we can’t be successful together.