For some, the idea of working in a team conjures up positive images of everyone coming together and successfully completing a task or project. For others, it causes a more negative response: being left with all the work, no group cohesion, and, ultimately, failure of the project. Whatever your past experience with teamwork, it will always be a part of life and business. However, it doesn’t have to be negative. With the proper team building skills and training, your team will be on the road to success in no time.
One of the most important aspects of working as a team and being successful is the group atmosphere. If there is animosity between team members or the team doesn’t feel comfortable with one another, it will make working together that much more difficult. To help the group bond and form a more comfortable working relationship many leaders utilize team-building exercises.
Team building exercises can vary greatly. There are corporate team building seminars that bring the group together through classes and activities. Another option is to plan activities yourself.
Whatever option you choose, diversity is the key. Group classes that emphasis leadership, communication, or industry specifics—such as Dale Carnegie Training’s “Leadership Training for Managers”—are important to the training of each employee; however it shouldn’t be all about work. The key to getting the team more comfortable around each other and better able to work together is having fun. Plan a team picnic or event at a local attraction. You can also incorporate games and other activities to get everyone working together.
Don’t make these types of activities a one-time deal. Continue to hold events and activities, both large and small, on a monthly or quarterly basis so that camaraderie is maintained.
Team building is a lengthy process of shaping individual members of a group into an effective team. When a team has been well built everyone feels more valued, which will lead to each member putting their specific skills to use. If they feel that they have been invested in, they will be more willing to invest in the team and everyone will achieve success.
Bonus information: Also consider attending our upcoming “How to Communicate with Diplomacy and Tact” course being offered in Bordentown on Friday, February 17!
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