The last post gave an example of what a high-performing team looks like in action.  That still leaves the question of how a team gets to that point.  With so many options, how can a manager decide what type of event their team will most benefit from?   And how do you deal with the skeptics who see corporate teambuilding as a waste of time and money?

First, take an honest look at the state of your team. If there are serious issues, consider hiring a consultant who can administer personality tests and work one-on-one with individuals to get to the root of problems with attitude and communication. On the other hand, teams that are already working well together can still benefit from regular team building activities.  In fact, they might even get more out of the event because the foundation already exists, they won’t be have to start from scratch.

Then, ignore many of the activities sold directly through a local recreation provider – the bowling alley, the climbing gym, the laser-tag facility, the theme restaurant.  Your group might have a fun time together, they might get some great photos and return to the office with some good “war stories” to reminisce about but they probably won’t get much more then that out of the activity. 

Instead, invest your money in an experienced facilitator.  Ask a prospective provider questions about their education, their background, their approach to teambuilding.  Make sure that they or an experienced staff member will be running the event, which could take place at numerous venues.  An activity such as paintball or rock climbing can be plenty effective, providing a “novel setting” that gets the group out of their comfort zone.

The difference happens when the event is lead by a professional facilitator, rather then the part-time, teenage staff who normally work at the venue.  When the group is left to their own devices the purpose of the day can quickly disintegrate, with the IT department running around like Rambo, working together only to blast Ron from accounting as much as possible.  A facilitator won’t impede the group from having a good time, but they will do it while maintaining focus on strategy and collaboration.