Chapter 1: Understanding Team Building

Have you ever considered whether team-building activities are truly beneficial for your group?

I have served as a District Leader for a mid-sized bank, which ranks as the 104th largest in the nation, for nearly two years. Before this role, I was an FCM (branch manager) for five years at the same institution. During my time as an FCM, I organized occasional lunches, aimed to reduce office tension, and only arranged a group outing during the holiday season. As a District Leader, however, I’ve undertaken several team-building activities to unite a newly assembled group, primarily due to the need to rebuild teams. This raises questions about the value of these expenditures. Should finances dictate our approach when assessing outcomes is often challenging?

To begin, let’s clarify what constitutes a team-building event. I consider it any activity that encourages team members to bond outside of their usual work environment. Whether your group is comprised of five or seventy-five individuals, the scale doesn’t diminish the purpose. Classic examples include holiday parties at a restaurant or summer picnics featuring competitive volleyball, where everyone has a blast. As long as the focus is on enjoyment rather than work discussions, it qualifies as a team-building event. It often seems like an enjoyable outing with the company footing the bill!

Team-building doesn't always necessitate activities like Trust Falls or scavenger hunts requiring collaboration. Simply gathering in a relaxed setting, away from the office and without interruptions, can foster connections. Ideally, you hope that activities remain light-hearted and drama-free—if this is achieved, it can be deemed a success, right?

Now, let’s consider what expectations you might have for these events. Are you hoping to foster unity among a team that lacks it? Do you have excess funds burning a hole in your pocket? While the last question may be a stretch, I certainly have specific goals in mind, especially since stepping into my role as District Leader.

As I mentioned, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my district after a significant turnover due to restructuring. Once I successfully staffed the team, we held a Christmas gathering, followed by a painting party four months later, and now we're organizing a Top Golf outing. My aim for these events is to cultivate a sense of comfort among our seventeen-member team, encouraging trust and connections that can be leveraged in our daily operations across the four offices. Have we achieved this to the extent I envisioned? Perhaps not entirely, but I believe the funds spent yielded some positive outcomes.

Reflecting on whether I wish I had organized more activities during my tenure as a branch manager, I do. My previous office was productive and consistently performed well, with a cohesive team that bickered like family yet maintained harmony. Hence, I hesitated to allocate additional resources for outings like bowling or obstacle courses, focusing instead on budget control.

This concern about financial expenditure is often a significant hesitation for managers when planning such events. I rely on my team leaders to provide feedback, and I take a broader perspective. From my experience, there are usually a few team members who feel compelled to attend but would prefer not to, as it intrudes on their personal time. If my leaders report that these individuals had a good time, or only complained a little afterwards, then I consider it a success. Generally, these team members are not inclined to enjoy cash giveaways, so any positive response is a win. By keeping the focus on team bonding rather than business matters, most people tend to enjoy themselves, minimizing drama and allowing colleagues who don’t often connect to catch up. It’s crucial for the team to feel valued, which justifies the expense.

I acknowledge that we don’t engage in overly extravagant activities, as I intend to host several events throughout the year. I also strive to involve our clients when possible, ensuring that our spending has a positive impact on their businesses. While allocating funds for such events isn’t taken lightly, the intention behind them is clear and purposeful. Employees receive salaries and are expected to fulfill their job duties, but with countless job opportunities available, it’s important to demonstrate to your team that you value their commitment by investing in their experience.

So, what are the long-term benefits? Is it worth the time, resources, and effort? I would typically say yes, as long as the costs are reasonable. While spending thousands multiple times a year may not be sustainable, focusing on local engagements that promote interaction within the team and keeping participation voluntary can lead to significant benefits. Encourage activities like painting, attending games, or hosting picnics and volleyball games, allowing your team to develop together and reap the rewards when you ask for their commitment in the future.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Team Building Activities

This video titled "How To Do A Trust Fall: Team Building With Odyssey Teams" illustrates the importance of trust-building exercises within teams.

The second video, "How to Set Up a Trust Fall," provides practical guidance on facilitating trust-building activities effectively.