How Team Building Supports Organizational Development

Over the past few years, team building has become one of the biggest trends in workplace management. Companies are getting creative with their approach to team building so that it not only benefits the individuals involved, but also raises overall employee efficiency and productivity.

Team building is usually centered around activities such as hiking or skiing, offsite meetings, and exploring new areas of the area or organization. These types of events promote communication and understanding among coworkers, and help strengthen relationships.

It also helps create an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing thoughts and ideas. This enhances trust and collaboration, two core values in any successful company.

Many companies offer organized group outings as team building experiences, which is why it is important to find out if your department or yours individually is offering anything during times you’re free. It does not need to be expensive, nor do they have to be totally planned, so try looking into things yourself!

If there are no offers, maybe it’s time to make some for your colleagues. You could organize a trip to the zoo, movie night, or even bowling — whatever everyone likes doing!

Clubs and organizations can sometimes hold events that cost nothing or very little money, so instead of thinking about what you don’t have access to, think about what you can provide for others.

History of team building

Over the past century, team-building exercises have gone through several phases. At their most basic level, some groups perform activities like jumping out of an airplane or swimming with dolphins to show how well they work together.

More elaborate versions ask participants to work in mixed teams of people who don’t know each other before being asked to collaborate on something important. A classic example is holding a charity fundraiser where individuals are assigned different jobs that can’t be done alone.

Intermediate activities focus more on using teamwork skills for self-development. For instance, working in pairs on specific tasks helps you hone your ability to communicate and brainstorm techniques. Doing so also raises awareness of strengths and weaknesses among partners.

The most advanced types of team-building involve applying what you learned about yourself to help others develop. This may include creating supportive relationships that boost morale or helping someone else achieve his or her goal by offering tips or taking over part of their job.

Types of team building

There are several different types of group activities that can be used to promote teamwork and organizational development. They include sports, education-style events, interactive games, role playing, and more.

Teambuilding is an excellent way to boost workplace morale. Not only do such exercises create supportive relationships within your organization, but they also inspire people to connect with each other and develop their communication skills.

When employees work together towards a common goal, productivity increases and loyalty grows. This, in turn, helps you achieve your goals faster!

Here are five of the most effective ways to organize a team activity. Try one or try them all – it’s up to you! We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

1. Theme Day

A theme day is when the group engages in an activity that focuses on a specific topic. For example, if your department was celebrating its one year anniversary, then having a movie night or taking part in a pottery class or swimming lesson is a “theme day.”

The participants get trained on the topic and then discuss it as a group. It’s important to note that although the event itself may focus on the theme, what individuals bring into the event can be off-the-topic (like discussing personal matters).

This doesn’t mean those things aren’t rich conversations, however.

Treasure hunts

A treasure hunt is defined as an activity in which participants search for or find hidden treasures or rewards. It can be done at any time, anywhere, and is not dependent on having a set start location.

Treasure hunts are ideal team-building activities because they emphasize teamwork and communication. You get to ask questions like what kind of music everyone loves and then use that as a springboard for your own favorite song.

Everyone has different favorites so you never run out of things to talk about. Plus, it’s fun! Most people enjoy finding something new even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Team building doesn’t always have to cost money. Having a free conversation over coffee is totally fine and will give you some great insights into your colleagues’ lives.

Zany groups

Teams with open communication channels, frequent team meetings, and constant reminders that this organization owes you a pay check can sometimes be what you refer to as “Zany”groups. Groups of people who seem to not know why they are together anymore.

This is often times the case when teams need to break up due to differences in leadership, goals, or just because someone feels like quitting.

When these things happen, there is no set structure for how people handle themselves professionally and socially. People may say hurtful things to each other, throw tantrums, and even physically fight.

All of these behaviors are harmful and unnecessary. If left untreated, it could easily destroy trust between individuals and the rest of the team.

It will also negatively affect the work environment and mission of the company. Employees look at their colleagues with jealousy and lack of respect. This creates a negative culture that will take time to correct.

Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent breaking down of relationships caused by internal conflict. Having formalized processes and procedures makes doing so easier.

Group sports

One of the greatest team building exercises is to organize a sport tournament with your colleagues. This can be organized as an individual competition, or individuals versus teams.

Team games are great because they emphasize teamwork. All members must work together to win the game, which requires trust, communication, and understanding of each other’s roles.

These games also promote inclusivity. Teams of different genders, races, religions, and ages play together, creating diversity that is important for development.

The organization hosting the event should plan well ahead by picking a date, time, and location. They will have to find supplies and facilities needed for the game.

Making it interactive helps create lasting memories! The hosts could even ask people online for ideas for what kind of game to hold the contest as “How to Play Soccer” may not apply if you don’t grow up playing soccer.

Soccer is one of the most popular team sports around so this comes highly recommended. Just make sure to check copyright laws first before organizing someone else’s intellectual property.

Employee-led team building

One of the most effective ways to motivate employees is by having fun with them. Giving off energy that you would want to know about, engaging in group activities that they are involved in, or just being around for lunch or coffee every day can boost employee productivity and engagement.

Teambuilding is an excellent way to do this. Teambuilding is typically a gathering of people from all departments and levels at your organization to interact and work together on projects.

It is important to have appropriate teambuilding exercises depending on what needs to be addressed at the time. For example, if there’s a need to promote teamwork, then organize a competition or exercise like completing a task as a team. If there’s a need to emphasize leadership qualities, have a pottery painting or scrapbooking project.

Some ideas include holding a brainstorming session, practicing communication skills, or participating in an activity within your department or area of responsibility.

Leadership is key

In addition to developing your team, leadership is an important tool in organizational development. A leader can inspire their colleagues to put in extra effort, motivate them to do good work, and make sure they are working as efficiently as possible.

A leader who doesn’t care about other people will not succeed. They will lack motivation, inspiration, and efficiency which are essential ingredients for success.

As a manager, you should be aware of what types of leadership are needed in your organization and how to develop yours. You don’t have to be a charismatic person with a loud voice, but you should always strive to show interest in others.

Creating a positive work environment

A healthy workplace is one that encourages employee growth, collaboration, communication, and trust. These are all important components to achieving organizational effectiveness and improving efficiency of operations.

Team building can play an integral part in creating such a culture. This is because team-building activities typically focus on fostering relationships and communication skills.

It also gives employees the opportunity to learn about each other’s roles and responsibilities, which helps promote trust.

When done properly, team building can have significant benefits for your organization. Here are some tips to ensure this happens without disrupting normal business operations.