"Find the Opportunity". Every situation no matter how dire it first appears provides an opportunity. If you can find an opportunity where others only see problems the world is your oyster!

Why Team Building?

Improve Morale
Systemic development of the group as a whole
Part of a wellbeing plan to improve staff retention and issues relating to burnout e.t.c.
Celebrations of achievements/Awards/Christmas Entertainment
Develop Creativity
Annual Conference

"Improve Morale"

To help create & foster an environment that makes for an enjoyable place to go to work. In the same way as being part of a supportive and encouraging family, being in a work environment that encourages mutual respect is more likely to have people operating at their best than an environment that generates mistrust & fear.

With the very real commercial pressures & considerations that organisations experience team building activities are ways of rejuvenating & helping a group to change their mindset for a time. A well chosen activity can help teams clear the energy and focus on what really needs to be done now.

"Long Term Development"

Some companies take birds eye view on their business & reach the conclusion that the best way forward is to take a long term approach to staff development & retention. This may take the form of programs such as the Myers Brigg Type Indicator & other training that develops skills in areas such as communication & time management.

Often participants in this type of training gain insights into their own behaviors, ways of thinking and problem solving. These insights help to develop productivity & efficiency that then positively influences the running of the company.

"Develop & Enhance Creativity"

For some businesses a large part of their success relies upon the ability of their staff to consistantly access & utilise their creativity, well know examples of this are Apple, DreamWorks, Pixar, Google etc.

These organisations are at the forefront in creating a culture & work environment that encourages creativity & provides people with an opportunity to grow (not to mention providing perks such as good food, health care etc….)
Not all organisations are able to create work environments of this nature, but every organisation can afford to put some time & energy into running activities that help fashion an environment of positivity & shared vision.

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"Celebrations"

Occasions such as Awards Nights & Christmas Parties are a ideal times to choose a type of entertainment that also has a team building effect. Depending upon the venue & type of celebration, activities such as African Drumming, Corporate Sailing, Bowling and Limbo competitions e.t.c. are fun ways to bring your team together & celebrate at the same time.

Annual Conference

As many PA's and PCO's are aware the annual conference or sales meeting is the ideal time to do some team building. The fact that everyone is already together for the day or several days overcomes the logistical issues that often obstruct team building Endeavour's. On a practical level a team building activity or energy raiser is the ideal way to break up the day As during conferences delegates retain only a small percentage of information.
Usually this is because of a lack of oxygen getting to the brain, resulting in poor concentration and low energy levels. (Professional speakers often refer to the session early afternoon as the graveyard shift - low blood sugar levels after lunch)!
The team building company Drum Beats (www.drumbeats.com.au) suggests the addition of high energy interactive and innovative activities to increase conference productivity at this time of day.
In some situations it is appropriate to open the conference off with an ice breaker or team building event to set the tone for the rest of the conference.