Three critical ingredients for engaging even the most reluctant member of your team

We need to talk about lacklustre team building and cheesy corporate activities. Those who’ve been around the block a while (or recently booked a less than professional events company) may recall a situation that went like this…

 “Come on in, join hands and (the dreaded bit/part that’s met with internal groans) tell the group something they didn’t know about you”.

 There’s all kinds of different awkward going on here. For one, sweaty hands, and for two public speaking. But here’s the main point – what benefit is this to anyone?

 Urgh. Not fun (and definitely not clever).

Most events have moved on, but many of our clients still get in touch with the dead-set idea that there are some members of their teams that simply won’t participate. Well, we love a challenge. And to this date, we’ve haven’t had one event that’s fallen flat (nor even a single team member sit it out). We’ll share our secret in a minute, but first, a story…

Case study: From reluctant participants to stomping, roaring corporate warriors

“My team doesn’t join in” That quote right there was what one recent client (from a Blue-chip company, no less) told us when she enquired about our events. She ended up booking our Hakka event – where guests are taught the ancient tribal war dance from our loincloth-clad Haka masters.

Two minutes in and the entire team were stomping, shouting, and slapping their thighs. By the end, the 30-strong team were fired up and set for their team building day (complete with faces painted with Maori tribal tattoos).

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing - they absolutely loved it! I've never seen my team more enthusiastic - you and your team are brilliant!"

So what’s the secret? There are three critical ingredients to a team building or corporate event that people LOVE to join in with…

1.     It all starts with the facilitator: Yep, even the best, quirkiest and most challenging of events could be seriously uncomfortable without the right pro-facilitator (which is why we don’t recommend Andy from accounts handling your team building event – this is a job for a seasoned pro).  

2.     It must be SO engaging that it makes people forget themselves: Central to this is a little challenge, a lot of silliness and a goal that’s fun to reach.

3.     Balance collaboration with competition: A little competition can be healthy for encouraging team members to jump into an activity with both feet.

The top three – Our best-selling all in team events

The Haka: Channel your tribal warrior with our top selling team event,

Stomp and shout – learn more about the Haka event

Drumming: Join forces with a single company message? Check. Fun, engaging, motivating facilitators? Double check. Our drumming event is made for getting groups speaking the same language, without saying a word.

Get your drumsticks ready – learn more about our drumming event

Gum boot dancing: Energy, endless-fun and fabulous teamwork – gum boot dancing gets every up on their feet and making music together.

Energy at the ready – learn more about the gum boot event

 Call the Accolade Events team on 0800 083 1172, or send us a message.