I have consulted for a significant number of companies and organizations over the years that genuinely believed ordinary team building works when it really doesn’t do anything but physically bring people together to have fun for a while and then repeat the same behavior patterns they’ve already established in their workplaces.

There is a vast difference between ordinary and deeper team building. The standard kind of team building is usually some kind of activity like a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, ropes course, or game that people do together and are expected to learn lessons from to build stronger teams. While there’s nothing wrong with people having a good time together or bonding in some way, these types of superficial events are really just a way to pass the time.

The reason why ordinary team building doesn’t work is that it does nothing to address the underlying thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of people interacting positively and working well together. Fun activities only provide a brief respite from doing one’s regular job, not practical tools to build productive teams.

So, how can you make sure that you don’t solely focus on one-dimensional amusements? Do things like:

• Developing and implementing a regularly scheduled, ongoing team building program.
• Teach people, starting with leadership, team building skills.
• Concentrate on the underlying thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of building teams.
• Help people learn about each other.
• Encourage listening.
• Promote open communication.
• Design activities that bring people together on a deeper level.
• Emphasize emotional intelligence, kindness, and empathy.
• Shift from competition to collaboration.
• Reward positive behaviors.
• Help people become so adept at working together that they have fun.
• Include everyone in the program, from leadership to entry-level employees.

Imagine what your teams would be like if you and everyone else did all these things. You’d enjoy many benefits, including:

• People connecting on a more meaningful level.
• Stronger interpersonal relationships.
• Effective communication.
• Better problem solving.
• Less conflict.
• Increased productivity and profits.
• Better morale.
• More engagement and motivation.
• Access to more ideas.
• Everyone feeling valued and included.
• Greater creativity.
• Elimination of power differentials.
• Happier teams that get more done with less effort.

Traditionally, companies and organizations have only focused on team building that is fun but not very meaningful. While it’s great to provide opportunities for people to take a break from their day-to-day routines and enjoy each other’s company, it’s been my experience that you can build much stronger teams by teaching everyone valuable skills that help them work together, create a positive environment, and have fun at the same time.

There is no mystery to deeper team building, all it takes is a commitment to doing things a little differently. Once you teach yourself and your staff how to collaborate better, you’ll all be happier, more productive, confident, and successful. It’s up to you when you start implementing a meaningful team building program in your workplace. You’ll be happy when you do. Cheers, Guy.

Bring Your People Together and Create a Thriving Culture of Team Building with My Advanced Team Building Program