The Basics Of Effective Team Building

Team building is a process that enhances and fosters relationships between a group of employees to help them work better as a unit. In nearly any modern business or office, relationships are essential to performance.

Cohesive teams work better together, getting more done while improving employee retention, and even innovation. Success starts with fostering a sense of camaraderie shared experiences, and potentially a certain type of friendship. Recently team building has become increasingly popular, and more businesses are using it to their advantage.

The Purpose of Team Building!
Companies are looking to improve interpersonal relationships among their teams. The objective of team building can vary, though organizations can use team building to clarify the goals of a project or eliminate or reduce conflict between employees.

It can also work to establish roles and responsibilities while integrating them into new positions. Effective team building can also help identify further opportunities for growth. The results of these exercises can provide insight into areas that need improvement while also discovering unique strengths of team members.

The Benefits of Team Building!
Team building encompasses several variables depending on the group or organization. The goal is to foster better relationships.

Co-worker relationships that are positive and fluid can enhance group problem-solving. This also assists in improving employee skills to produce solutions-oriented outcomes that can help reduce conflict, stress, and wasted time.

Establishing Postivie Relationships!
Let's say your company has landed a new account that will require a team of employees to collaborate. Why not kick off the project with a fun team-building exercise to break the ice. This will help folks interact in a positive way before they settle into their roles.

Once the team building activity is complete, you can wrap up by introducing the new project and designate unique roles for each employee. For added motivation, set milestones related to the project. Studies indicate that small tokens of appreciation and recognition go a long way, often giving a boost of motivation within the organization. Now, let's look at some noteworthy benefits of team building.

Promoting Problem Solving!
Team-building activities that target problem-solving are learned skills that employees can transfer to their roles. This will assist in real problem-solving within their roles and projects.

Increasing Productivity!
For many businesses, improviing productivity among employees is one of the main goals within the organization. Team-building activities that bring employees together will help in building trust. Team members can learn how to rely on one other to work together.

For example, employee trust helps them feel confident, relying on one another to achieve a goal. This rings true in projects where several individuals must contribute differently to the whole. Activities centered around co-workers getting to know one another are great for increased productivity. It also helps co-workers realize each person’s strengths.

Boosting Morale!
One key indicator of a team's relationship is overall morale. Things such as stressful co-worker relationships or feeling unappreciated can contribute to low individual morale. One way to boost morale is to allow employees some time away from their roles to do something fun.

Small changes, such as getting the group out for a day at the lake, or outdoor activities such as a team baseball game, can improve teamwork, boosting morale and company spirit in the process.

Fostering Creativity!
Team building brings employees out of their comfort zones. This will assist in providing the freedom to think more creatively. Further, camaraderie is heightened if team members can better brainstorm creative solutions, opening sharing ideas when working on projects.

How To Team Build: Ideas & Activities!
There is no universal method of team building that will work for every organization. Consider a few key factors. What is the overall culture of your company or brand? A company brand is a living thing that makes up your company culture, attitude, and mission statement.

Some companies have ping-pong tables set up for employees to use during breaks or after work. Others take the last fifteen minutes of a weekly meeting and participate in a skit where co-workers can be creative.

Gifts!
Company gifts are a great way to build teams. Simple things, like t-shirts and mugs, allow people to show their team spirit. Companies can give our more exciting and unusual items as well.

Laptop bags for travelers are great, as are electric coffee mug warmers for hot beverages. Custom challenge coins are great for team building, as are personalized desk nameplates or coffee sampler sets.

Games & Activities!
There are plenty of building games and activities. In-office team building games are a great way to try these activities out on a budget. Board games are a great way to boost morale by letting employees relax and get to know one another during a fun exchange.

Improv activities are excellent as well, promoting acceptance, communication, and negotiation skills. Daily huddles are great for getting together while designing a marketing plan that will increase creativity by having each employee bring something to the table.

Events & Outings!
For remarkable team-building, take your team to something fun or a special event outside of the office. You can reserve these activities for special events that employees can look forward to quarterly or annually.

Examples include rock climbing, bowling, a cooking challenge, and much more. Take in a sporting event, get artistic and creative. These activities are great for groups, increasing camaraderie and teamwork in the process.