How a Team Building Activity Goes Wrong
By Will Bicknell


You know a team building activity had gone badly when your team is discouraged, or mocking the activities, or simply not reacting at all. Team building activities are difficult to organize by nature.

These exercises are a method of teaching and of course, the art of teaching is a gift not common to everyone. This does not mean however, that a non-educator would be incapable of such a task. It can be done - it simply requires a thorough understanding of the team building principles and a lot of preparation.

Ways In Which Team Activities Go Wrong

One way in which team activities fail is because the one teaching fail to inspire their “class” of team members. This is not necessarily the failure of the individual teacher, though natural charisma can be very helpful. The problem may be that the activities themselves are not exciting, not particularly educational and are perfunctory in manner.

Team building activities are not “work meetings”, i.e. designed to simply lecture a group of people on what is or is not acceptable. Team activities are designed to accelerate team performance, by improving relationships and refocusing groups towards a common goal. Lecturing a team is not effective team building. Workshops can be an effective exercise, but can also be tedious, depending on the style of delivery.

Additionally, an activity that is too much fun, or even too absurd, can also be a failure. In the case of a social activity that was too over-the-top, workers will not only feel discouraged and unconvinced, but may also feel used and resentful at whoever organised it.

Why?

What is a Trainer? What is a Facilitator?
By Guila Muir

Recently, I’ve noticed that some corporations call their trainers “facilitators.” I can only assume this is meant to be shorthand for “facilitator of learning.” However, is “facilitator” really an appropriate term when the “facilitator” uses only lecture and Power Point? Are facilitating a strategic planning session and teaching someone how to do that really the same thing?

by Mike Morrison and Bernie Jaworski

Sales and customer-service professionals aren't the only employees who need just-in-time learning. Time-starved executives and managers can benefit from this approach, too.

Q: Our company is struggling to equip a new squad of managers. What is the best way to bolster their communication skills?

A: The best way to start an engaging conversation with employees is by active listening:

Writen by Robin Chandler

This document is all about understanding teams and team building training; the purpose of team building activities; why corporate team building events can be effective; planning a team building strategy; building creative teams.

Why have a team building activity or event?

This is a phrase we hear a lot these days: 'we need some kind of teambuilding activity'. Corporate team building events are on the increase: everyone seems to be having them these days. But are they living up to expectations?