Team Building? 12 questions to help you make the right decision

There is no such thing as "the perfect team." But would not it be nice if you could help your team during their journey?

There are many types of team building and as a carpenter, you must select the right tool for the job. However, before you start building the "perfect team", you might want to ask a series of questions. Here are the initial questions that I ask all my clients, before embarking on their adventure.

1) How would you rate your team building goals in a continuum of fun compared to development?

Team building can mean different things to different people. For some, it means team building fun, interactive activities. For others, it connotes a process in which people deal with problems that are inhibiting a positive and productive working environment. Fun events to build camaraderie and boost morale. Development of team building processes allow the team to emerge with ', the synergy focus, cohesion and bottom-line effectiveness. You must determine your expectations for the session to the session to meet your goals.

2) Are you interested in a process or event?

Events can either be designed for a bond / get-to-know-you exercise or you can deal with relevant issues. Processes aimed at the long end of the development team, which help to reinforce the knowledge acquired by participants. Acknowledged that the team building process is a journey not a destination. Events are generally a one-day session or less, while a process takes place over several months, with multiple sessions spread throughout that time frame.

3) What do you expect from an in-depth program or process?

Before any work team building, you must have a clear understanding of your expectations. You can take into account those behaviors that you believe the group needs to stop, start and continue. The design of the program and activities that are selected can help solve these fundamental behaviors, reinforcing the strengths and highlighting key areas for development.

4) Are you looking for an "off-the-shelf" or customized program?

Off-the-shelf programs are less expensive because they will not pay for the design of a new program. A program tailored to the needs of your team is geared toward their specific goals and not the standard ones. However, an experienced supplier will be able to customize a program for you, without incurring significant design costs.

5) Do you believe that the problems faced by your team are skill-based or dynamic-based?

People need to have some skills to be an effective team member. Communication skills, ability to build trust, interpersonal know-how to establish strong relationships with others, and conflict management skills are key competencies of the team. The ability of each person vary according to their experiences and behavioral style. Sometimes problems are caused by deficiencies of team skill. Other times, team members can have these skills, but the team still has problems of morale is low, trust among members, personality clashes or regular communication failures. You must determine if the team does not have the skills or the team has created an environment that do not work well together. This will bring the type of program needed for the team.

6) Do you think the team would identify the main challenges themselves?

While the team could describe their problems in a different way, the leader must recognize that his point of view of the dynamics of the team is not the definitive explanation of the challenges the team. Do not go directly to what you personally believe to be problems. Conduct a survey to ensure that each intervention is designed overall needs of the team.

7) Is there any pre-work required prior to team building?

It depends. If you're making a fun event that is based on interactive exercises, you can create a "buzz" around the event, saying the group very little of their "adventure team". If you're going to tackle real world problems of the team, you must be sure to address the right issues. A survey team may be necessary to identify issues and their root cause.

8) It 's helpful to talk with the facilitator prior to your program?

Speaking with the facilitator before the program is critical to its effectiveness. The facilitator can find out basic information about the team and meet your goals and expectations for the program and the team event or after the trial ended. This will ensure that the program has been designed to meet the needs of the team.

9) How do you gain buy-in for team building?

Remember that people support what they help create ... so as to bring them to create the process. Let team members know that the process will be based on the overall results of the survey team.

10) Where should conduct the program?

Conduct a session on-site to save money. However, there is a trade-off. Taking people out of the office is much more effective because participants are more relaxed. Moreover, they stay with the team during lunch and breaks, instead of heading back to their desk to check messages and respond to e-mail. The investment in the team should include an investment in the choice of the proper position. A well-traveled provider will be able to suggest a location that meets your needs.

11) What kind of budget to conduct team building?

The budget will determine whether you can conduct an event or process, an off-shelf or custom workout program that facilitates and guide the session (in-house staff or professionals). The budget will also help create realistic expectations for team building. You might want to provide a ballpark budget constraints to the supplier in order to design a process within your means.

12) How can you measure the success of team building?

By making a pre-and post-research group, the team can measure progress. The team will be able to see how they interacted and worked as a team before their first session and then six months later, after their return from their session and apply new knowledge. Post-program results allow the team to celebrate their successes and near-level objectives in a follow-up team building event .......