Team building is a modern term borrowed from American-European business culture. It is based on a fairly simple idea - team solidarity copes with challenges much better than each individual participant. Despite the simple idea, the essence of this phenomenon has been known for a very long time, it is not for nothing that in the world history of wars team spirit is considered a weapon.
Technically, this is a set of measures aimed at strengthening communications in the team, and the format itself was used to increase labor productivity even in Soviet times. It is not for nothing that the folk wisdom has survived to this day - "Alone in the field is not a warrior."
Why do you need team building?
Team building solves quite specific problems and the main one is strengthening corporate unity in the team. A team united by a single goal solves complex tasks much better, endures difficulties more stably and can survive the most difficult times. Unity is especially needed for companies engaged in sales, sports groups, call centers, where business productivity depends on teamwork.
What does team building teach?
- Mutual trust. Joint events reveal new facets of colleagues' personalities, forming trusting relationships.
- Increased productivity. A friendly atmosphere in the team directly affects work efficiency.
- Understanding potential. In activities, participants show their true strengths and weaknesses.
- Creativity. Working in a team encourages the search for unusual ideas and options for their implementation.
To achieve mutual understanding, support, effective communication and trust. This creates an environment in which the team acts as a single organism, solving tasks of any complexity.
Types of team building
There are several types of team building, which differ depending on the purpose, format, duration and location. The main types are:
- Corporate events. Typically include the following formats: parties, holidays, conferences, seminars, trainings and other events aimed at supporting corporate culture and strengthening internal ties.
- Active. Includes physical activities and sports activities that are aimed not only at maintaining health, but also at strengthening the spirit. These include: sports competitions, team sports, football or volleyball. They contribute to the development of coordinated work, improve the physical fitness of employees.
- Intellectual. Aimed at developing the intellectual and analytical abilities of employees. Typically involves problem solving, logical thinking, and intellectual exercises. Examples include quests and puzzles.
- Creative. Within the framework of this type, people's creative abilities are formed and developed, encouraging non-standard approaches. Its examples include art master classes, artistic practices (drawing, sculpting, photography).
- Social. Includes activities aimed at increasing social responsibility and interaction with the public. Social initiatives include charitable events.
Each type has its own characteristics and advantages depending on the goals of the organization and the characteristics of the team. The right choice of format will provide a favorable atmosphere for increased productivity and long-term results.
Teambuilding ideas
You hear from a disgruntled colleague: “That stupid corporate party again!” If such thoughts pop into your colleagues’ heads, it’s safe to say that there will be no benefit from holding a holiday. Team development programs should teach new skills and bring fun.
We've compiled a list of 4 games that won't disappoint you, but will make you want to play them again:
Fast-paced business games
Game of possibilities
Timing: 5-6 minutes
Number of players: one or several small groups
Rules: One player receives a random item and shows the group how it can be used. The main thing is no words, just a demonstration. Participants must guess what exactly he is showing. Suggested uses should be as creative as possible.
Pros and cons
Duration: 5-6 minutes
Number of employees: two or more
Rules: Participant A shares with participant B some unpleasant incident from his own experience (personal life, work moments). After that, he tells the case from a positive side, and player B helps to find pleasant moments in it. Then the roles are reversed.
Outdoor business games
Treasure hunt
Time: from 1 hour and more
Equipment needed: pen and paper
Conditions: Groups are divided into pairs or larger groups, given a task (e.g., take a selfie with a stranger or take a picture of an interesting object near the office). Each group is given a list of missions with a deadline. The group that completes all the tasks the fastest wins.
Relationship building games
Puzzle barter
Timing: 1-2 hours
Number of participants: four groups or more
What you need: puzzles for each group
Rules: Each team is given a puzzle of the same complexity. But some of the elements are in the hands of another group. Therefore, the participants must agree among themselves on the exchange of pieces - through bidding, negotiations or other methods. It is important that all players agree on common solutions.
A variety of games helps instill corporate values, developing an effective and productive atmosphere in the workplace.
Example of a detailed scenario
As an example, we offer a detailed scenario plan for the game: “The Big Picture.” The event contains a deep metaphor, where the contribution of each participant leads to the creation of a huge result.
Stages of preparation and implementation
Choosing a plot. The reasons for choosing may vary. Some choose classic motifs, because they look good in the office interior. Others strive to create a unique plot that can embody the company's history, brand, logo, or even the atmosphere of a corporate event.
Preparation of workplaces. An hour before the event begins, the host and assistant artists lay out the necessary equipment: tables with coatings, paints, brushes, aprons, gloves. This is an important stage, because a good start guarantees the right mood for everyone.
Division into teams. Since team communication is important for maximum efficiency, groups are usually formed randomly, with five people each. However, at the customer's request, any other content can be organized: for example, prepare colored badges that correspond to certain groups.
The process of working on a painting. After an introductory briefing, the host explains the task and the assistant artists facilitate the process, providing participants with practical advice and directions for work. The guests begin joint creative activity to create a single painting together.
Official presentation of the finished work. At the end of the event, the attendees gather in front of the finished painting. The host addresses them with words of gratitude for the teamwork and emphasizes how important each individual contribution is to the overall result. Such an event certainly leaves a strong impression.
Technical and organizational conditions for conducting
The main thing is to have a comfortable room: a banquet hall, a loft, a tent, an open area - it all depends on your preferences and weather conditions. To create a picture, you need several tables, calculated according to the formula: total number of players / 5 = number of tables.
For groups of more than 60 people, musical equipment will be required to set the atmosphere.
Tips for effective team building
To make a corporate event truly beneficial, it is important to consider several key points, which we will discuss in this article. Understanding these aspects will help you organize a successful event.
Clear definition of goals is the basis of success
Before you start planning an event, it is important to understand in advance what specific goal you want to achieve. Improve communication, increase employee motivation, resolve internal conflicts? For the process to be effective, goals must be clearly formulated and measurable so that their achievement can be assessed at the end.
Choosing the right format
It can have different formats - from active sports competitions to calm intellectual games. It is very important to choose a format that meets the interests and characteristics of the participants. If there are many fans of active activities in the team, sports or quests will be a good choice. For those who are more inclined to solve problems, games and trainings for developing problem-solving skills are perfect.
Individual approach to the team
Every team is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By taking into account the specifics of the team: age, interests, and principles, you can create a comfortable atmosphere. This, in turn, will help make team building more effective, because activities that focus on the needs of the team will work much better.
Emotional engagement of participants
Team building is not only about collective activities, but also an opportunity to strengthen interpersonal ties and develop trust within the team. Including elements for informal communication, for example, evening gatherings by the fire, friendly dinners, helps employees get to know each other better and create an atmosphere of trust and respect.
High-quality organization
Unsuccessful celebration is often caused by problems in organization. If you do not have the time or experience for thorough preparation, it is better to entrust the task to professionals. Experienced event agencies will take into account the nuances, offer original ideas and organize the event at the highest level.
Summing up
After the event is over, it’s important to remember to debrief. Gather feedback from your employees, assess how well you achieved your goals, and think about what you can do better next time. The information you gain will help you better understand your team and make future corporate events even more effective.
A well-conducted team building event is not a one-time event, but part of a long-term team development strategy. In order for the skills acquired during the training to truly take hold, they should be used in everyday work. Regular team building events help maintain a high level of teamwork and allow employees to constantly develop.
