4 Essential Things for Team Building

You have been asked to go to a #team building event at your company. You are dreading it.  It looks good for you to go and it is the 'Big Bosses" idea.  Everyone goes but after all the money and time the company puts into creating an event, does it really accomplish what it is set out to do?  Build morale,  increase productivity and improve performance.  
So what is the problem? Your company is doing everything the books tell you to do. But the team events are just not accomplishing what you set out to do - build morale. 

The reason your team event is not working is because you need to get to the root of the team.  Build and understand the needs of the team.  

1. Start with asking the team questions, do a 360 assessment.  What are the issues?  What do they want? Figure out what the needs and pain points of the team are. When you know what the issues are, you are better able to address them.  Let the team know that you hear them.  There is truth in honesty.   
   
2. What is the #purpose and vision for the team?  Get their feedback. Perhaps the team members are not on the same page or they don't even know what the leader's vision is.  When a vision is built you can work towards a common goal. You understand the "Why" and you begin to build excitement for what you are doing. 
3. Be open to others thoughts and opinions. When there is open #communication from the leader, the team is inspired.  They trust and want the company to succeed.  A leader needs to support, empower, listen and appreciate the team for their talents. 
4. Create a positive environment, encourage laughter. According to research from the Harvard Business School, Creativity is vital to business success and can not thrive in a negative environment.

When your boss tells you he wants to have a team building event, ask him what the purpose is, what are you trying to accomplish?  If it is about morale, first find out why morale is low.  It could save you money and time to first understand your employees needs and wants. It might just be about being valued and having their opinion heard.

If you enjoyed reading this, and you would like to know how to build a collaborative, happier, more productive team, email or call Upstream Solutions, colleencassel@gmail.com.  Let me help you build a company with increased performance and productivity. Leave a comment and thanks for reading.

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