How can you make your team building activities age-appropriate?

2 The level of difficulty

The second factor you need to consider is: how difficult is the team building activity? You don't want to make the activity too easy or too hard for your team members, as that can lead to boredom or frustration. You should choose an activity that matches the level of experience, competence, and confidence of your team members. For example, younger teams may enjoy simple and playful activities that involve physical movement, while older teams may appreciate more complex and intellectual activities that require strategic thinking and decision making.

3 The duration of the activity

The third factor you need to consider is: how long is the team building activity? You don't want to make the activity too short or too long for your team members, as that can affect their engagement and motivation. You should choose an activity that fits the time frame and schedule of your team members. For example, younger teams may have shorter attention spans and need more breaks, while older teams may have more endurance and focus. You should also consider the frequency and intensity of the activity, and balance it with other work-related tasks and responsibilities.

4 The type of interaction

The fourth factor you need to consider is: how does the team building activity involve interaction among your team members? You don't want to make the activity too individualistic or too collaborative for your team members, as that can hinder their learning and development. You should choose an activity that promotes the right type of interaction for your team members. For example, younger teams may need more guidance and feedback from the facilitator and their peers, while older teams may prefer more autonomy and self-direction. You should also consider the diversity and dynamics of your team, and ensure that the activity is inclusive and respectful of everyone's opinions and preferences.

5 The feedback and reflection

The fifth factor you need to consider is: how does the team building activity provide feedback and reflection for your team members? You don't want to make the activity too superficial or too deep for your team members, as that can limit their growth and improvement. You should choose an activity that encourages feedback and reflection for your team members. For example, younger teams may need more positive reinforcement and recognition, while older teams may appreciate more constructive criticism and suggestions. You should also facilitate a debriefing session after the activity, where you can ask open-ended questions, summarize the key learnings, and celebrate the achievements of your team.

6 The fun factor

The sixth and final factor you need to consider is: how fun is the team building activity? You don't want to make the activity too boring or too stressful for your team members, as that can affect their morale and satisfaction. You should choose an activity that adds fun and enjoyment to your team members. For example, younger teams may love activities that involve humor, games, and surprises, while older teams may like activities that involve competition, rewards, and recognition. You should also customize the activity to suit the personality and preferences of your team, and make it relevant and meaningful to their work context.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?