Team Building - Practical Tips for Leaders

Team building is an abstract concept for many people. I talk with a lot of leaders who have a general idea about what team building is and that it might help their workplace in some way but, when it comes to actually designing and implementing an ongoing program, they have trouble envisioning how it fits with their other priorities.

This is perfectly normal because we tend to focus on immediate emergencies or things we perceive affect profits. Our traditional view of team building is to gather everyone, do a few lighthearted activities and go back to work. Some companies might dabble in personality typology and then walk around pointing at people and labeling them this or that.

Effective team building is more than just doing some fun group stuff, it's about looking at what really brings people together and how they can be more effective and productive. Team building is a way to get to know people, build trust, increase productivity, lead confidently, empathize with co-workers and many other beneficial workplace behaviors. It requires sustained effort so that it actually works. Here are some practical tips to help you implement a great team building program.

1. Make the decision to do it for a year.
2. Get the company leaders involved.
3. Focus on team building activities that help people connect meaningfully.
4. Don't look for immediate results, team building is a long-term process.
5. Set a positive example and practice with your employees.

Team building either works or doesn't based on the effort you put into it. If you're committed to making it work then you'll create a workplace where people work well together and interact positively. The end result will be a happier workplace where people enjoy working together and help the company succeed. How will you get the process started?

Take care,

Guy
The Self-Awareness Guy.