Team Building Activity

 

Team cohesiveness is one of the fundamental pillars of team success, and it is the cornerstone of organizational effectiveness. There have been many opinions and theories on how to foster ‘all-for-one and one-for-all’ camaraderie at the organisational level. One of the most effective ways is through team building activities, which are fun and informal as well as experiential in their learning potential. They are known to build employee morale, break barriers within the team and enhance team functioning.

 

Most of us have experienced team building sessions in our organization and are well-versed with their benefits. Some may feel intimidated and refrain from participating, especially if they are new team members. But those who do participate often cite these events as one of the most memorable in their tenure at the organization. Here is an overview of some of the benefits of participating in team building sessions at your organization.

 

Self discovery

Many team members discover a hidden self (sleeping giant) that they never knew was there. Some people may be unsure or diffident about their abilities. However, circumstances may force the group to represent a plan and present an idea, ultimately doing better than expected. Upon having their ideas accepted and commended, team members feel more assertive and self-confident.

 

Build bonds with colleagues

While working in groups with many people, colleagues of the same department or of different department, at first, the level of interaction between colleagues may be only superficial. However, team building provides the opportunity to live together, play together, eat meals together and even sleep in the same room. This brings people closer together, prompts them to talk and exchange ideas. Colleagues get to know each other in a deeper dimension, because they are able to reveal their true identity. This is particularly useful for working together in the future.

 

Insights and other benefits gained through experiential learning

We learn lessons and pick up good ideas from games, especially when we are open-minded. New atmosphere, new team members or even the new you that is emerging as a result of the team building exercises brings different dynamic in the game. Summarizing of the learning experience by team members each having different perspective brings new ideas thus also new learning.

 

Generate new ideas and perspectives

An opportunity to listen to other team members or groups as they present their comments help individuals learn new good ideas that can be useful for work as well as life. A good listeners, is likely to learn even greater lessons. These newly learnt ideas and perspectives; as knowledge will help individuals solve problems in the future.

 

New problem solving strategies

Team building exercises may help one resolve communication problems in the workplace. The activities also may help find the solution to a previously unsolved problem in the course of a team building activity or give ideas as how to troubleshoot the previously unsolvable problems.

Build better relationship with the boss

It provides opportunity to get closer to the boss in a more relaxed atmosphere. In the relaxed atmosphere sharing increases, and also provide opportunity to know tips to enhance achievement and also many other satisfactory answer which was not sorted due to formal atmosphere of the office or busy schedule of the boss.

 

Overall health and wellness

When we get tired from working, we diminish our potential. The opportunity to do team building exercises in the countryside in a peaceful atmosphere recharges our own batteries. Even if the outdoor activities require physical strength, this can still be beneficial to our health. Learning from these games, we may become inspired to intensify our efforts at work. Team building is an excellent stress buster that fosters an overall sense of wellness.

 

Gain inspiration and recognition

As team building activities cut across hierarchies, we get to interact with our managers and subordinates in a way we haven’t before. This leads us to be better acquainted with the temperaments and hidden talents of others. This, in turn, leads to recognition of each other as holistic entities and becomes a source of inspiration, encouragement and recognition from our superiors.

 

Team building activities are recreational and insightful. Bt the key is that the team engages for

 L, ‘Learning’; O, ‘Open–mindedness’; V, =‘Voluntariness’; and E, ‘Excellence’.