Normally it's stuff around shared values, interests, goals, vision, respect, understanding and ways of working etc.
Its a bit like a group of friends, except it's work so you probably aren't, and you need to find something else in common.
It takes time and effort.
If you are a leader then you need to help create the vision, culture and give the direction. You probably also need to tackle issues before they grow - unacceptable behaviours and so on.
10 mins on team building is basic stuff, you’re not doing anyone’s work there. No time or no need to get into detail and linkedin thought leadership BS either. It just suggests whether you have a personality/clue/ability to present or research/any willingness to make some effort for the job.
Yeah, if training or advocacy or sales or people management or anything of the like is involved in the role, then this is not an unreasonable activity. If anything, it's an underarm bowl by giving you the topic and the time for response, instead of just asking the question in interview with no warning.
Some of you misanthropic lot should get jobs as lighthouse operators...on decommissioned lighthouses...
My boss is openly pro-Putin, my right hand man is racist right winger, my apprentice was a roid head.
I’ll pay for myself thanks.
And if there are any you were blissfully unaware were total **** then a weekend away boozing will quickly let you know who you are really working with
I flip between wanting to be besy mates with him as we share cultural/hobby references and are similar ages to then wanting to smash his head in with fire extinguisher Irreversible style (Monica Bellucci film) with some of his comments/leadership style.
The shop floor guys are only slightly removed from primordial soup.
But they are my work colleagues and we get stuff done - "teamwork makes the dream work"
My boss is openly pro-Putin, my right hand man is racist right winger, my apprentice was a roid head.
I’ll pay for myself thanks.
Your tolerance of working there is much higher than mine. Although we are in a period of economic uncertainty there's enough jobs around that you don't need to work with racists, conspiracy theorists, etc. I certainly wouldn't want to be on a team with that lot - no matter how good they were at their job.
I’ll do what ever is needed in a work environment. I will not give up my free time unpaid for something to do with work. Its outrageous to suggest I should
I'm not sure you understand how life works outside the public sector - in many roles this would simply be expected, your hours are notional and your salary is for getting the job done. Indeed the OP is in "Education" and there's a lot of that attitude in that sector. But I'll stand by what I said, I think it should be paid, but even if its not its an investment in making the 40 hrs a week your spend at work more enjoyable, and I'll add possibly also an investment in your own career progression. Perhaps it shouldn't be like that, but give a manager a choice of internal candidates and one is really good at making teams work and puts in extra effort to make the workplace a happy place and the other is a cantankerous type who before even hearing what the proposed team building is has declared he won't be going if he's not paid for it and the decision is simple.
However none of this helps the OP who has to give a 10-minute presentation on team building as part of their Education Sector job interview! Nobody has said this would be out of working hours/unpaid etc. The interview panel want to see if the candidates understand how to build and maintain teams in the education sector (so we can assume budget for a weekend in Malaga is out!). If I had asked for that I would be looking for:
- a clear, well-thought-out, well-delivered presentation
- a presentation which told a story rather than regurgitated theories of team building
- the story would be relevant and tangible to the education sector (so probably irrelevant to most middle-aged MTB forumites!)
- the conclusion would be that the candidate in front of me was going to land in a team of unknown people and know how to focus and direct them in a positive and constructive way. From what I have seen the most common failings in workplace teams are:
- poor communication
- lack of shared / common purpose
- blame culture and/or lack of accountability
- unnecessary transactional relationships!
I included the last one for the OP who wanted some buzzwords in there.
But I’ll stand by what I said, I think it should be paid, but even if its not its an investment in making the 40 hrs a week your spend at work more enjoyable, and I’ll add possibly also an investment in your own career progression. Perhaps it shouldn’t be like that, but give a manager a choice of internal candidates and one is really good at making teams work and puts in extra effort to make the workplace a happy place and the other is a cantankerous type who before even hearing what the proposed team building is has declared he won’t be going if he’s not paid for it and the decision is simple.
A few things
firstly even in the private sector WTD still applies and most folk do have a notional hours anyway. So unless its covered by time in lieu or pay its involuntary unpaid overtime and probably takes you over the WTD hours limit
Secondly I am good at team building and do make extra effort to improve team morale. I just will not pay bullshit games and being forced it doing something on my precious time off is not acceptable and should not be to anyone. these "teambuilding exercises" do the opposite - they create resentment
What you are doing is rewarding bad management by working in your own time. Join a union FFS and stop allowing yourself to be abused
I do create good teams - I am good enough to do so without this bullshine
Its not " an investment in making your 40 hrs enjoyable" Its a waste of a day doing something that is useless, has no value to worrk and creates resentment
unnecessary transactional relationships
Which is exactly what you are describing " do this team building exercise in your own time or have your career damaged"
Oh it is incentives,
Yeah I should have realised that.. if they were the equivalent of team lunches or post work beers at your place I was wondering what I'd done wrong, thinking the odd cheap bike was a good perk.
OP, focus on what you are going to say rather than slides. In fact forget slides unless they have asked you to prepare something. Ask if there will be a flipchart and bring a marker (they ones they have might be c*** quality and out of ink.
Focus on one aspect, example the importance of emotional intelligence. As a team leader I would ensure everyone is treated as individuals not worker bees. I understand not every person is motivated by the same thing. tj doesn't want to mix work and home. That's not wrong or right, but might be different from db who enjoys the social side of work and would happily go to a beer garden with colleagues.
Some team members want competition, others will hate the concept. You as a leader need to embrace the realities of different work styles and deal with peoples individuality as an asset. Good teams tend to be diverse teams.
AND If all else fails talk about STW! Massively diverse team who can genuinely fix almost anything. There are arguments (maybe too many) but when the pressure is on or someone is in real need the team pulls together in ways you would not think would be possible if you read some of the stuff on here.
I’ll do what ever is needed in a work environment. I will not give up my free time unpaid for something to do with work. Its outrageous to suggest I should
This will now look odd, as I've taken ages to write this, and went to throw a toy for my dog for 20 mins.
This is a fair point, but work, much like the rest of life, is largely about getting on with people. I am lucky that I have responsible job, get paid well, and do what is required for my job, regardless of hours, I'm a senior techie not a manager, but when I was tech lead on a contract extension, on which 150 people's j0bs depended, I spent 12-16 hrs a day and about 4-8 hours each weekend day. I did this for about 12 weeks. We won a 5 year contract following directly from the end of the original deal. I'm not saying this to big myself up, I worked very hard to preserve a lot of jobs, I enjoyed the work and was well paid to do it.
You seem to be a reasonable and principled guy, and I was very impressed by your helping yourself and other people who have fallen foul of petty employment rules, but I recall you have had some quite heated arguments on the forum, about nothing much. Maybe I've just been fortunate in mainly working with good people in supportive environments, the one time I joined a company that was very competitive and basically unpleasant, I left pretty quickly.
To emerge from the rabbit hole I've just disappeared down. I find organised / forced team building to be awful, and being asked to go for a team building event at the weekend is not something I'm prepared to do. As a fairly senior member of staff, I find that encouraging new staff and helping them settle in, grow and acquire new skills, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job, in fact it's one of the aspects of my performance review. That sort of behaviour is how you build a team, and why going for a drink after work with people you on well with is an excellent team building activity.
Shared goals.
Skin in the game
Linked responsibility of tasks. I.e if you screw your task it screw your colleagues and that will result in pain coming back to you.
Shared adversity
This is why military have such good teams. The best teams I have worked in have been working away in crap conditions.
sightseeing tour in Barcelona? LandRover Driving in Skipton, long weekend in Majorca? Long weekend in the Azores?
These are a couple of things some of the teams here have done in the last 3 months. The big trip this year for those that have done well is 10 days in South Africa. The coolest one (in more ways than one) was a few years ago, to Antarctica.
**** me, all I got was six months at the height of fighting season in Afghanistan.
Should have picked my job better.
This is why military have such good teams.
Different culture and motivations from civilian life IME
I've worked with more than one delivery lead with a military background that couldn't adjust.
I think my abstracted point are valid for both. The fact that an individual did not adjust to civi life is different issue.
firstly even in the private sector WTD still applies and most folk do have a notional hours anyway. So unless its covered by time in lieu or pay its involuntary unpaid overtime and probably takes you over the WTD hours limit
Almost everyone in the private sector signs away their WTD limits - I assumed that was normal in the public sector too?
Secondly I am good at team building and do make extra effort to improve team morale. I just will not pay bullshit games and being forced it doing something on my precious time off is not acceptable and should not be to anyone. these “teambuilding exercises” do the opposite – they create resentment
Only if done badly. Maybe you need to go to some good ones!
I've done some good formal teambuilding activities and some pretty dreadful ones (they've tended to be the paid mandatory ones!). I've also done good and bad informal activities. None probably translate well to the OP's task - and for what it's worth if the OP gave a presentation which said they would get their team to do some formal one-off team-building activity I'd expect the interview panel to be hoping that the next candidate had something better to say. I'm assuming the "question" is really about culture and process in the workplace not driving a landrover blindfolded.
What you are doing is rewarding bad management by working in your own time. Join a union FFS and stop allowing yourself to be abused
I love how that is your answer to everything in the workplace! There would be little point in me joining a union as there is no company recognition of a particular union - in many sectors its not the solution it is in nursing. Many years ago, during a brief stint in the public sector, I was in a union. We certainly had "unpaid" team activities stuff back then. In fact, I think the union reps were actively involved in encouraging it - good employer/employee relations. Not everyone came because they are voluntary... but lots did. But the best workplaces I've been in didn't need unions because the employees and the "management" were on the same side anyway. My experience of unions is they are actually quite good at creating division rather than unity, and whilst they have undoubtedly done huge amounts of good for employee protections both within and outside their direct organisations they also reinforce the management v's employee stereotype and so actually stoke the poor teamwork fire.
I do create good teams – I am good enough to do so without this bullshine
That's a very strong claim - I know a few people who are very good at building a great team around them. I also know some people who think they are great at it but really aren't. Some of them are in the "if your not joining in the company social events you are not really part of the team camp" and others are "I come to work and go home, I have no interest in my employees outside their working hours". Neither extreme is actually very good.
Its not ” an investment in making your 40 hrs enjoyable” Its a waste of a day doing something that is useless, has no value to worrk and creates resentment
It needn't necessarily take a day! If it is useless and has no value to work you are simply doing it wrong. It doesn't need to create resentment - if you approach a situation believing that it's useless, had no value and you should resent it, it is very difficult to overcome that mindset. Did you never go to landmark birthday celebrations, retirements, new-ward opening "parties" etc? You don't need to be making bridges out of spaghetti to be building teams.
unnecessary transactional relationships
Which is exactly what you are describing ” do this team building exercise in your own time or have your career damaged”
Firstly I'm not wording it like that, BUT I am not naive enough to think that your career progression is never based on how you are perceived in the organisation. Secondly, that's not what I meant by "transactional relationships". I mean people who work on the same team (or teams who should be working closely together) who execute their working practices as a set of formal transactions. Often with a form, some written process and some performance metrics. There are times when this IS necessary, but many times when it really is not necessary. A good team is aware of what is going on and who is doing what so don't need to make every step into a transaction, it is dynamic so it adapts to the situation that it is in not a process that worked in the past for a different situation. If your teams are communicating by email/memo/post-it notes/comments on an electronic ticketing system they are stuck in a transactional rut - and that is the best way to create resentment.
"Siloed". Resonances will depend on whether they have AppleTV
Military teams are good at military things, doesn't necessarily make those individuals great within civilian teams doing civilian work in a business culture. There's also an expectation/assertion that some folk can switch from Sergeant Major to scrum master / delivery lead / project manager by doing a 3/6 week bootcamp in agile/pmo/prince2. It's rarely as succesful as some of the getting ex-military personnel into business organisations would have you believe IME.
Depends very much on the established organisational culture though - I've worked in some places where a military approach would be more successful than a more modern leadership and management style.
We have loads of out of work socials (normally an activity, not just a piss up), some the company pay for, some not. Fair bit of charity based stuff too. Loads of people attend them, day to day life in the office is brilliant. We are consistently voted one of the best companies in the country to work for. Must be all the resentment.
. Did you never go to landmark birthday celebrations, retirements, new-ward opening “parties” etc?
Nope. Nor did I have any leaving do myself. Indeed I told a colleague who I trust to make sure the staff did not do one for me.
Almost everyone in the private sector signs away their WTD limits
You cannot sign away most of it and its illegal to make it a condition of the post.
“I come to work and go home, I have no interest in my employees outside their working hours”. Neither extreme is actually very good.
Why should I? If the work culture is so poor that you have to do stuff outside of working hours to team build the issue is not the person who will not do unpaid overtime - the problem is the culture in the workplace. Work has no call on my time off. I have precisely zero interest in my work outside of work. I worked to live, I did not live to work
I was a damn good shift leader, was good at team building at work, did not need to do any bullshine outside of work to do so. Its the little things. Valuing staff as individuals, praising staff, creating a supportive working atmosphere - that sort of stuff. Staff junior to me kept on pushing me to apply for the ward managers posts each time they became vacant because they valued me as a leader. I wouldn't bevcause other aspects of being a boss I was rubbish at
I think perhaps what has been missed here is inclusion of neurodivergance. Neurodivergance is not an excuse to be an arse however it does alter this stuff. for neurodivergent people like me "team building" as an exercise is torturous and really really unpleasant. I have been a victim of management led teambuildingh stuff too many times that leaves me a anxious sweating mess. Thats not good for teambuilding is it?
Edit - I was good enough at building a supportive working environment and team building by my actions that staff would come to me with issue where they needed support rather than the boss. That I was regularly assigned underperforming staff to mentor etc etc
there is more than one way to skin a cat and to try to push everyone thru a single doorway will never work for a minority of which i am one.
Misread you ion transactional relationships - my understand of a transactional relationship is " if you do this for me I'll do this for you" or " if yo do this its good for your promotional chances"
I worked to live, I did not live to work
Try adding a bit of life (making friends, being sociable) to your work and it’s loads more enjoyable.
Not for me its not - thats what you are missing here. I got on very well with my colleagues at work, was well liked and respected. I don't need to spend time with them outside of work to do so. I have a life. I feel sorry for folk whose lives revolve around work
Core Values. A method of 'team building' I never want to witness ever again. I do not need to see my boss read out a very private letter he'd written to his children about why he wasn't home that week (yes, we had a whole week of it!) and how he was missing them. He cried. Alot. In front of 50 people. I do not need to see some ****s paid alot of money to tell me I need to think of my boss as a human being. The whole thing just made me feel angry.
But the best workplaces I’ve been in didn’t need unions because the employees and the “management” were on the same side anyway.
In the safest cars I've been in we didn't need seat belts because the driver didn't crash them anyway....
Military teams are good at military things,
Love a good bit of STW narrow mindedness with a side order of cluelessness. Go team.
Just to go back to the OP for a moment
Some very good info here about how a good team functions and meshes. Concentrate on that not on "teambuilding exercises" Include respecting difference and valuing people for who they are
Well this thread has gone off track. Good job STW! The trend for expecting employees to be available all the time is a worrying one. I rarely switch off from work entirely and it’s shit.
As for team building, no! It’s like forced fun. It’s only fun if you find whatever is happening fun in the first place. Even worse when it involves pseudoscience psychology bollocks and buzz word bingo. I’m teetering on despair just typing this.
Military teams are good at military things,
Love a good bit of STW narrow mindedness with a side order of cluelessness. Go team.
I love a bit of selective quoting.
Military teams are good at military things, doesn’t necessarily make those individuals great within civilian teams doing civilian work in a business culture.
Are you saying they always are? What is your point?
For once I have to agree with @tjagain, 'team building' is a crock of shit. If you have to take time out from your BAU to team build then I'd be concerned you have a cultural issue, if that is the case then fair enough to dedicate some time to try and unpick and arrest that issue. But as a standard you should be able to build an effective team within work time, within your working day conducting your core business.
The abstract reference to project management bollocks aside, military team building is work, a clear expectation of standards and behaviours of each of the team, with clear accountability and responsibility and and enforced process for addressing that if/when they fall short. It is simply a part of what happens when you work and train together and borne of the culture and standards the leadership exudes and maintains.
The reason many struggle when they leave in the civilian workplace is more to do with a very rigid and fixed mindset to problem solving and adaptation than most would like to admit. It's a cultural shift, that for some is hard, others depending on their 'upbringing' much easier.
As for team building, no! It’s like forced fun. It’s only fun if you find whatever is happening fun in the first place. Even worse when it involves pseudoscience psychology bollocks and buzz word bingo. I’m teetering on despair just typing this.
I bet you secretly love a bit of MBTI and NLP...😉😂
ChatGPT a Calculator for Boring Words.
write me A 10 min interview presentation on “team building”
ChatGPT
[Introduction]
Host: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's interview presentation on the topic of team building. In today's fast-paced and dynamic business environment, effective team building has become essential for organizations to achieve success. I'm your host, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share some valuable insights on this crucial topic. During this 10-minute interview presentation, we will explore the importance of team building, discuss key strategies for building cohesive teams, and highlight the benefits that organizations can reap from fostering a strong team culture. So, let's dive in!
[Body]
Host: To begin, let's understand why team building is so critical in today's workplaces. A team is more than just a group of individuals working together. It is a synergistic unit where each member contributes their unique strengths, skills, and perspectives towards a common goal. Effective team building not only enhances productivity but also promotes collaboration, creativity, and employee engagement.
Host: So, how can organizations foster a strong team culture? Here are some key strategies that can make a significant difference:
Clear Goals and Roles: Clearly define the team's objectives and ensure that each member understands their role and responsibilities within the team. This clarity promotes accountability and avoids confusion.
Open and Transparent Communication: Encourage open lines of communication within the team. Effective communication builds trust, resolves conflicts, and fosters a supportive environment where ideas can be freely shared.
Encourage Collaboration: Promote a collaborative work environment where team members actively collaborate and leverage each other's strengths. Encourage cross-functional projects and provide opportunities for teamwork.
Develop Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Encourage trust-building activities, such as team-building exercises, where team members can bond, get to know each other, and build mutual respect.
Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and appreciate the accomplishments of the team and its members. Celebrating milestones and achievements boosts morale and reinforces the team's sense of purpose.
Host: By implementing these strategies, organizations can build strong and cohesive teams. But what are the benefits of fostering a robust team culture? Let's explore:
Increased Productivity: When team members work well together and understand their roles, productivity naturally improves. Collaboration and shared goals lead to better problem-solving, efficient decision-making, and higher-quality outputs.
Enhanced Innovation and Creativity: Diverse perspectives and ideas flourish in an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. A strong team culture encourages creativity and innovation, leading to breakthrough solutions.
Improved Employee Engagement: A supportive team environment fosters higher employee engagement and satisfaction. When employees feel valued, heard, and supported, they are more likely to be motivated, committed, and loyal to the organization.
Stronger Problem-Solving Capabilities: Teams that have established effective communication and trust are better equipped to handle challenges. They can collaborate to find solutions, overcome obstacles, and adapt to changing circumstances.
[Conclusion]
Host: In conclusion, team building plays a vital role in organizational success. By implementing strategies such as clear goal setting, open communication, collaboration, trust-building, and recognizing achievements, organizations can foster a strong team culture. The benefits include increased productivity, enhanced innovation, improved employee engagement, and stronger problem-solving capabilities.
Host: Thank you for joining me in this interview presentation on team building. I hope you found the insights shared today valuable and that you can apply them to create stronger, more cohesive teams within your organization. Remember, a strong team is the backbone of success!
more in the context of riding a mountain bike down some twisty trail
ChatGPT
[Introduction]
Host: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's interview presentation on the topic of team building in the context of riding a mountain bike down a twisty trail. In this thrilling adventure sport, the importance of team building goes beyond individual skills and becomes crucial for ensuring safety, optimizing performance, and enjoying the ride to the fullest. I'm your host, and I'm excited to share some valuable insights on how effective team building can elevate the mountain biking experience. During this 10-minute interview presentation, we will explore the key aspects of team building, discuss strategies for building a strong riding team, and highlight the benefits that can be achieved through cohesive teamwork. So, let's gear up and hit the trail!
[Body]
Host: Riding a mountain bike down a twisty trail is an exhilarating experience that demands not only individual proficiency but also seamless teamwork. Each member of the riding team contributes their unique skills, knowledge, and support to ensure a successful and enjoyable ride. Let's delve into some key strategies for building a strong riding team:
Establish Trust and Communication: Trust is paramount when riding in a team. Encourage open and clear communication among team members to convey trail conditions, obstacles, and potential hazards. Trust enables riders to rely on each other's judgment, making split-second decisions and maneuvers safer and more effective.
Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clarify the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Designate a lead rider who sets the pace and navigates the trail, while other riders support and follow closely. This clear division of roles enhances coordination and ensures a smooth flow down the trail.
Practice Group Riding Techniques: Regularly practice riding in a group to develop cohesion and synchronization. Team members should learn how to maintain proper spacing, communicate effectively through signals or verbal cues, and adjust their riding style to match the team's pace and dynamics. This practice cultivates a shared riding language that enhances safety and efficiency.
Foster Camaraderie and Support: Encourage a supportive and encouraging team environment where riders uplift and assist each other. Mountain biking can be physically and mentally challenging, so fostering camaraderie helps maintain motivation and positivity. Celebrate achievements, provide constructive feedback, and offer assistance when needed.
Prepare for Contingencies: Discuss and prepare for potential contingencies, such as injuries, equipment malfunctions, or unexpected trail conditions. Develop contingency plans and ensure that all team members are aware of emergency procedures. Being prepared for unforeseen circumstances minimizes risks and increases confidence.
Host: By implementing these strategies, riders can build a strong and cohesive team that can tackle twisty trails with confidence. Now, let's explore the benefits that can be achieved through effective team building:
Safety: Riding as a team enhances safety by providing an extra set of eyes on the trail and supporting each other during challenging sections. Clear communication and coordinated actions help identify and avoid potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Improved Performance: A well-coordinated team can optimize performance by riding in sync, maintaining a consistent pace, and executing maneuvers smoothly. Team members can leverage each other's strengths and share knowledge, resulting in improved riding techniques and faster overall progress.
Enhanced Enjoyment: Riding in a cohesive team fosters a sense of camaraderie, making the experience more enjoyable. The shared adventure, support, and mutual celebration of successes create lasting memories and deepen the overall enjoyment of the ride.
Skill Development: Team building promotes individual skill development as riders learn from each other and share experiences. Riders can observe different riding styles, techniques, and lines, leading to personal growth and expanded capabilities.
[Conclusion]
Host: In conclusion, team building is of utmost importance when riding a mountain bike down a twisty trail. By establishing trust, effective
Most of the shit that is spouted can usually be summed up in a sentence. Eight hours of utter ****ery that is actually five minutes worth of actual useful content.
I’m on a roll now! Books on this shit also annoy me. Recommended reading for a course I was on mainly consisted of things written by sociopaths or bloody hippies 😂 just get on with yer job FFS! If the place is run well to start with none of this would be needed. Like play school for adults.
and for Artists Statements
I've used one of these in a gallery promotion, nobody noticed 😉
The reason many struggle when they leave in the civilian workplace is more to do with a very rigid and fixed mindset to problem solving and adaptation than most would like to admit. It’s a cultural shift, that for some is hard, others depending on their ‘upbringing’ much easier.
I agree, but elements of the different rigid and fixed mindsets found in some organisations can often be outside the control of the near line management hierarchy. Not all orgs are like that, but many are, including large chunks of the civil service and where regulation is high e.g. finance and energy.
My Mrs mentioned they had a bit too much work after the Finane Director and Finance Controller had left. New 'interim' guy just said you are expected to pick it up - erm. He isn't doing any of the other two's work, and it's lots of grades above the other staff - basically management accountant, and accounts assistants (my wife). WTF is that about. Team building event on Friday - everyone has to be in work (normal WFH day) and 'event' not till after work. Washing hair anyone ?
We don't have Team Building shoot, other than regular 6 monthly 'away days' that have been informative, then those of us that are sociable go get a few beers in. No pressure on anyone.
my right hand man is racist
Your right hand man needs sacking. Be an Ally to all those who have to put up with this absolute BS every day. Get him fired ASAP.
your salary is for getting the job done. Indeed the OP is in “Education” and there’s a lot of that attitude in that sector.
The trouble with that attitude in education is that the job is never done, there is always something else you could do. This is what burns teachers out if they don't learn how to manage that expectation.
Thanks for all your replies, the concept of a pretentious team building presentation makes me 🤮 so I'm gonna nick some of your ideas and use some of my own and give a talk without slides on my experiences of it and how I think it is realistically applied in a financially constrained setting. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻
sightseeing tour in Barcelona? LandRover Driving in Skipton, long weekend in Majorca? Long weekend in the Azores?
We got a week away at a hotel in Skipton, did the landrover bit, not the sight seeing in Barcelona or the Azores.
It was part of a training week and all the manage meetings were aligned while we were all together.
Did it boost the team? Not sure, did the meals and drinks in the evening help bond us.
Boosting moral for my team involves stopping work, invariably sitting atop a bridge pier, watching the view and having a laugh. Best way to boost moral when conditions are bad. Let them know we all need to take a bite out of the shit sandwich, pull together and get through it and I'll take the biggest bite.
Not read whole thread and not sure how much time you have...
The Fearless Organisation and The Wisdom of Teams are two brief and very accessible books.tnat give a good academic side to the theory of team performance,.and why teams fail.
The Wisdom of Teams
isn’t that Joe Abercrombie’s latest Third Law novel?
OP just play a highlights reel of the A-Team building a tank from some left over bits of 2x4, a wheelbarrow and a mop.
Through my career i've done a fair few team building activities, ranging from younger days doing adventure training and so on, to team building consultants having a group that were half military and half civilian engineers building with lego for half a day that may have been good on paper, but to a group of engineers, basically making us do an exercise of bad practices for engineering!
Reality is, team building can do more harm than good in some instances, so being the opposite of motivational, areas of poor team building for me is the usual suspects, so death by powerpoint, mandating attendance over everything, especially if it involves day trips or overnight stays, most companies see a tick box once a year team building event as that, there is no gradual build up, it's all the team, at once, even worse, getting an exterior team to do the team building without understanding the actual team and their interactions. There's nothing worse than going through a day (or two) of team building, and having your side chats filled with 'why didn't they do this' or 'it would have been better to do...', get input from the team, or similar teams to see if there's good practice, of course you don't do what they want, like go bowling and down the pub, but you avoid demoralising them as well.
Oh yeah, and note your company policies, another thing about team building events is that they are for everyone, no point having a day out hiking and a pub lunch if you have members who have disabilities, it has to be for all, you may also have to do a risk assessment for any event involving activities, so might struggle to get assault courses or mountain biking 😂
I'd like to hire TJ for our next teambuilding event. Stick him on a spinny chair and form a circle. The person he stops in front of must argue with TJ for 15 minutes on a subject chosen by the last arguee. Spin and repeat 🙂
