Businesses that consistently perform at the top of their game often have one thing going for them that less successful companies don't: a strong team. Because of this, businesses that are looking for the chance to take a larger hold within their markets are going to want to look into team building activities and options. Coaching and mentoring in the workplace - just like on a sports field - are extremely beneficial for team building.

What are the benefits of team building that come from having members coach one another?

1. Coaching and mentoring encourages staff members to make a connection. When you're able to bring together employees across generations, employees who have different skill sets and ideas, you'll find that relationships form and employees are able to count on one another.

2. By encouraging members of your staff to both coach and be coached, you'll find that everyone is continuing to learn. Building a team will benefit your business because employees are going to recognize that everyone has something to contribute, and each staffer - from those at an entry level right up to the executives - will recognize that they have somewhere to turn when they feel a bit stuck. Most importantly, this contributes to keeping fresh ideas coming.

3. Coaching allows employees to receive praise for what they are doing well. Ultimately, it's important to make sure that your staff get recognition for those things that they are doing well and not just hearing about the areas where they can improve; when staff members know that their accomplishments are recognized and know that there's value in what they are doing, not only are there benefits to the overall strength of the team, but also individual employees want to keep putting in their best efforts.

4. Building a strong team benefits a business in that, just as they would on a sports field, your staff members will be in a position to cheer one another on, to problem solve when necessary and to recognize that when each member of the team succeeds, the entire team finds success.

In other words, coaching and mentoring in the workplace create a foundation for solid teamwork and an environment in which everyone wants to succeed. The more that your staff is brought together and recognizes that they are a team, the more that they will be able to contribute. The more that your staff are able to contribute within the office on their own and with their teams (and, the better that they feel about coming into work in the morning), the more that will be accomplished.

Team building, therefore, is a vital component to having a thriving business. Strong teams are able to problem solve, lead from within, and to focus on bringing your staff together. When your staff members recognize business goals and are focused on helping one another succeed, you'll find that they are more productive, more present, and more committed to the success of your company - it really is as simple as that.

Copyright 2009, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

Author's Bio: 

Cecile Peterkin, a Certified Career Coach, Corporate Mentor and Speaker, helps businesses leverage the mind-share of retiring Baby Boomers and senior managers, and transfer it to the next generation of leaders with her ProMentoring program. For more information visit http://www.ProMentoringInc.com