Building a better team
Team building is so much more than a company picnic
and various activities with hula-hoops. To really make
the most of your team building investment, it needs to
be a considered and planned experience
Okay, so maybe skydiving is a bit of an extreme example,
but companies all around the world are continuing to invest
in team building activities—some well, others not so well.
In some circles, team building exercises and activities get
a bad wrap. The American sitcom, The Office, plays on this
stereotype when the overbearing manager, Michael, forces
his staff to engage in awkward and ridiculous tasks like sumo
wrestling and hot dog eating contests.
But, despite its reputation, team building is the most
important investment an organisation can make for its
people. Effective team building means more engaged
employees, which means a better company culture and a
boost to the bottom line.
While you don’t necessarily have to break the bank, it’s
important not to skimp on team building activities and take
the time to seriously consider what your people need to help
them perform at their peak.
Half hearted approaches are likely the inspiration for
Micheal’s team building antics in The Office and the last
30 Chief of Staff | Issue 1 2020
thing you want is for your team building day or escape to
become the butt of a joke.
Proven results
Today, organisations are made up of teams. The dynamics
of committees, working groups, departments and executive
boards are what shapes the direction and success of a
business. But, according to researchers, the “simple
existence of a team-based organisational structure is not
enough to ensure that positive outcomes will result. Teams
must be nurtured, supported, and developed.”
Team building exercises and activities are proven—
through extensive scientific research—to provide the support
and development that a working group needs to succeed. A
comprehensive study, titled Does Team Building Work? found
that team building ‘interventions’ had a proven impact on
role clarification, goal setting, interpersonal relations, and
problem solving.
“Of all organisational interventions, those that focus on