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Team Building
Why Bother?
Effective teams are a vital part of a mix that makes up a successful
business these days. Your people must be comfortable working together in
a variety of team formats (cross-functional, breakthrough, project) and
be willing to commit to team purpose. And they must be able to settle
and start co-operating quickly.
What it isn't
Teams are not built by shooting paintballs at each other, driving
karts, or playing golf. Shame, because we all enjoy these sorts of
things, and indeed we provide these (see "Fun
Events").
These things are fun and have a role as a perk or reward.
We do however recognise that there is a
difference between these and teambuilding activities. In fact certain
fun activities can be divisive, and among new teams can establish
relationship problems from the start, so be careful.
It isn't something the manager detaches
from and observes. The detached manager looks at team development as
something that will help others change, so that the team will function
more effectively. However, the most influential person in most teams is
the formal leader or manager. Like it or not, you set the tone for the
team, whether intentionally or intentionally, and it is inevitable that
team effectiveness cannot be improved unless the manager is willing to
look at his/her contributions to the team. Management usually has to
change too.
If you aren't willing to hear from
employees how your behaviour impacts the team (negatively or
positively), don't do team- building. The worst thing you can do is
start the process and refuse to acknowledge that you are a key player in
the process.
What it is
It is a controlled mechanism or process that allows team members to work
together in a way that is both enjoyable and rewarding. Most team
activities within the business are targeted with addressing problems
(communication, falling sales, customer kickback, etc), and group
problem solving should be at the crux of any team building activity.
It's a Learning activity
Your people should learn from the experience translate this learning
into behavioural and process changes back at the workplace. LVS Events
in conjunction with training arm, Ockerby
Lamarque Associates will deliver enjoyable activities that
incorporate appropriate plenary sessions to draw out learning and
develop implementation plans.
Our model is that to be successful
teams need:
- To be comfortable in each others
company and to be able to relate to each others talents and
skills
- Have clearly stated and commonly held
vision and goals
- The talent and skills required to meet
goals
- Clear roles and functions
- Agreed procedures and norms
- A system of reinforcement and
celebration
- Clear understanding of the team's
relationship to the greater organisation
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