There are many team building activities that enhance communication, develop trust and enable your team to have fun together. So how do you decide which activity to choose?

The first thing to consider are your goals for your event. Whether its corporate team building, an association or educational institution, focusing first on your goals will help narrow down the many choices. Traditional programs like ropes courses or whitewater rafting are based on trust. Simply engaging in the activity at hand builds trust. Your team members are dependent on each other to navigate the physical challenges involved.These programs also illuminate how team members react under stress. For groups that enjoy physical activity, these outings are fun and will bring your team closer together.

Creative team activities tend to be less overtly physical and help colleagues get to know one another better through brainstorming and the problem solving that’s required to be creative. Improvisation exercises, making a movie or a musical team building program are great examples. A creative program can be tailored to focus on establishing goals or resolving challenges. A good team building facilitator will help guide your group without ruining the fun or spontaneity.

There’s real ROI with team building if you take time to set goals and discuss what you’d like to take away from the event. If you know what your goals are it will be easier to find a good program match. Make sure your team building facilitator understands your corporate culture and your objectives. Make sure there will be a debrief discussion after the activity to tie up loose ends, help your team make meaningful connections and plan how to follow up on the positive accomplishments experienced during the program.

Choosing the right team building event

  • Establish your goals
  • Do you want a trust based program
  • Do you want an idea based program
  • What do you hope to accomplish and take-away

Take time to find a program that will help you achieve your objectives – one that will provide guidance and follow up. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with fun and productive team building.

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.