#Teambuilding isn’t always inherent when a team is assembled. Therefore, managers should strive to invest in activities that foster the positive relationships and team cohesion mentioned in last week’s article.
I should clarify that when I say invest, I am not only referring to a monetary value; in many cases, time is the principal investment. Moreover, managers often mistakenly believe that teambuilding is a mere one-time experience when in fact the best teams invest in a long-term vision that supports team performance.
3. Making a long-term investment in team-building
Especially for newly recruited teams, team-building is an essential in forming a solid foundation for future growth. Aside from the usual introductions, it is also a good idea to know what each character is willing to contribute and what he or she desires to achieve in the end. From this, the team can set mutual expectations and objectives that will guide the performance and culture of the entire group.
From this point on, managers or coaches can let their creativity run wild on how to construct an effective and cohesive team. Some of the more traditional ideas for teambuilding events are listed below:
- A scavenger hunt
- Karaoke
- Team dinners
- Playing sports together (See how CCV can help your team here!)
- A mini retreat
The best team-building activities get everyone on the team involved, engaged, and excited. Moreover, the activities should ideally allow the team to practice some of the core skills necessary for a successful team, such as effective communication.
A fitting example of a winning team that understands the value of teambuilding is the 2011 MLS Cup Champions, the LA Galaxy. Prior to the 2011 season, the LA Galaxy arrived in Scottsdale, Arizona for a ten-day training camp featuring practice games and drills. Juggling new players on the roster, the retreat allowed the players and coaches the opportunity to bond as a team.
MLS star Landon Donovan described his view on teambuilding,
My belief has always been the things you do off the field then cultivate themselves on the field. Guys in groups hanging out after training, whether it’s sitting by the pool, going to dinner, watching TV, playing cards…those kinds of things allow for discussions about soccer to take place. Trips like this are crucial to that kind of team building.
On the same topic, veteran defender, Todd Dunivant said,
I hope it helps us continue to jell. We have a lot of new faces this year, and there’s a lot of integration we have to deal with in the team.
Although the LA Galaxy players were attending a ten-day training camp, the teambuilding was not going to end there. As Donovan indicated, groups should continue to strengthen their team cohesion through simple activities such as dinners and talks that can be done throughout the season.
Therefore, I cannot stress enough how important it is for coaches and managers to consider the long-term development of a team. It may even be helpful for coaches to schedule check-in points to ensure the team is on track.
Of course, there is something greater to be gained through teambuilding as well. By the end of the season or project, hopefully you will begin to recognize your teammates as more than simply work partners, but perhaps even friends.
To read more about the LA Galaxy training camps, see here.
Have more ideas on #teambuilding? Share them with us!
