Should executive team building be different than team building for other members of your workforce? I don’t think it should be different in the sense that one is better than the other. But, a team building program for your executives should be tailored to the attributes and goals that leaders generally share. We’re typically asked to facilitate executive team building when something is changing at company. This could mean a merger or acquisition, a bold new initiative; or a looming challenge due to change from new technology or market pressures. It’s rewarding to facilitate our team building through song program in this context because we’re allowed to spend quality time on vision, mission and message.

Keys To Successful Executive Team Building

Successful leaders keep their focus on the big picture. If executives don’t provide vision and the blueprint for a path forward, then who will? So most often, our programs with executive groups include conversation around the big picture. For example, this type of team building conversation shouldn’t be about work flow, supply chain updates or specific personnel issues. It should create opportunity and context to encourage participants to envision a path forward, brainstorm about optimal choices and company aspirations.

executive team building

DON’T DO THIS! – Boring or unrelated topics…

Atmosphere and tone is always important, but it’s even more vital for a leadership group. These folks will quickly get impatient if they don’t feel valued or if they feel like they’re wasting time. Make sure your topics and the specific content of your executive team building program are focused on your group’s goals. For example – if leaders are navigating through a company wide installation of new technology, a team building program should enable participants to acknowledge the old technology, give voice to the pain that will come during the change over, and communicate the promise of the benefits from embracing the new. If you can get your executives to work through this struggle and transition, they’ll be in a much better position to embrace your change initiative. They’ll be better able to communicate it’s benefits to your workforce.

When I work with groups at an executive level, we use songwriting as a fun, engaging and creative way to get leaders to resonate emotionally with what’s going on. Songs are great short stories. They’re great documents of culture and as such, they can be powerful communication tools. If you can get your leaders to be personally involved with the creation of your message, be it a song or a vision statement, then they’ll be enthusiastic communicators as they carry the message forward and lead your workforce.

 

About Billy Kirsch

Billy is a Grammy & Emmy nominated, CMA & ACM award winning songwriter with numerous Top 10 hits to his credit. His team building programs and keynote speaking presentations help people tap into their creative abilities to become more innovative and engaged in their work. Clients include Fortune 100 companies and organizations throughout the world.