6 Key Ingredients to creating engaging & worthwhile Team Building Activities (Just in time for your holiday event) ??

As the holiday approaches, you are busy with the end of year wrap up...

You may be scrambling to get your staff holiday party together...

And again be at a loss to come up with the perfect team building activity. ??

(Am I right?!)

I've been there.

I know the overwhelm.

This year I've got your back.

Well organized team building activities can not only create some fun, it can actually strengthen your team and improve team dynamics.

So before looking at organizing it, it's important to note the PURPOSE of a team building activity...

?? EXERCISES TO ENHANCE RELATIONSHIPS

By sharing experiences together, team members get in-tune with each other, it strengthens their connection as the team clarifies their "WE" identity.

Too many team building activities fall flat and end up being just another annoying social obligation...

I want to help you avoid that this year.

So, today, I'm sharing with you the 6 key ingredients that turn annoying social obligation to a fun, transformative experience. Follow these steps to ensure that your next team building activity adds REAL value to your team!

1?? Common Purpose

"Why am I even doing this?" is the first thing your team members are going to think. That's the first objection that you need to handle.

So, the first step is to think about the bigger picture.

?? If this exercise is a success, how does it impact the individuals? the team? and the organization?

When you have clarity on the benefit (or the challenge that it seeks to address), then, you can reverse-engineer to create an activity that fits the common purpose.

Meaning is a key part of motivation, so paint a clear picture of how your team members' participation will benefit them personally, the team and the greater mission.

2?? Permission

One trap we fall into is to keep the activity a secret and spring it on our team on game day only to meet the sound of crickets.

See, as the planner we had time to anticipate and get excited...

... but for your team it's putting them on the spot with a whole lot of uncertainty.

Then, forcing them to participate in an activity that they do not want to participate in, will do the exact opposite of it's original intent... Sadly, it leads to resentment and disengagement.

So, ask your team permission to host this activity to get buy-in well in advance!

As Simon Sinek would say "Start with Why". Share that purpose that you've identified and ask your team if they agree to participate in a team building activity that you'll craft for this specific reason.

If the WHY is strong and resonates with your team, getting buy-in is a piece of cake and you won't need to drag anyone through the motions come game day.

If you still meet resistance at this stage, review the common purpose and engage your team to make adjustments.

Tip: Share the purpose and high level expectations, but keep the details on the down low. You can build the anticipation & excitement by leaking small details to the team in the weeks leading up to it.

3?? Trust

Any social activity comes with social risks.

If you want true participation, you'll need to create a trusting environment.

Most leaders think that trust "just happens", but this is actually not the case.

Even IF we have trust with each other, we don't automatically trust the situation or the activity.

?? Set intention (what this activity will do / purpose)

?? Set clear expectations (what they will be doing)

?? Set rules of engagement (how they will interact with each other)

(if you want tips & tricks on how to do this for you activity, send me a DM)

It's important to weave in listening, celebrating different perspectives and a way to distribute air time in this stage.

4?? Communication

Communication is central to this activity successfully enhancing relationships.

Set up the stage so individuals will share not only their professional selves, but their whole self.

?? How they think

?? Their values

?? Their ideas

They will get to know each other beyond, adjust perceptions, and increase empathy for each other.

5?? Collaborative Creativity

Offer them a challenge to co-create new solutions.

This is the active part of the activity that:

?? Leverages the trust you built

?? Engages communication

?? Practices collaboration skills

?? Enhances teamwork

The person who was previously just a co-worker now becomes an integral part of their own success. Moving from "I" focus to "We" focus.

6?? Fun & Learning

Fun and learning are intertwined.

Debriefing with the right questions to help participants connect the dots and anchor their experience brings it to the next level.

Link your questions back to the purpose, tease out the learning and solidify how we can use the new insights in daily teamwork.

I love creating transformative experiences for teams to boost collaboration and performance.

So, if you are wanting to avoid the stress of organizing your team building activity and opt for a Done-For-You option, DM me to set up your team session lead by yours truly ?? Limited-time offer.

PS. I'm set up for virtual teams and have the option for in-person for local teams ??