Team Building - A Common Goal
We've all heard the saying, "There's no 'I' in Team." Team
building has been a goal of the workplace for many years because
of the numerous benefits it brings. Team building is a great way
to have fun and energize coworkers, build and strengthen
coworker and employer relationships, and improve productivity in
the workforce.
With all these great benefits, it's easy to see why developing
collaboration in the office is usually one of the top five
business priorities of an employer!
Being part of a great team sounds like fun - but what actually
makes a team productive and worthwhile? Good teams share some
common traits:
-Members depend on each other -Each member believes that his or
her opinion is important -Every person has a role -A safe
environment exists that allows members to feel comfortable
sharing ideas -Members can move past setbacks and overcome
challenges together -An ability to effectively cooperate with
each other to problem solve
Fortunately, establishing great teamwork in the workplace is not
an impossible task. There are many activities and games that
specialize in building cooperation and mutual dependence, such
as icebreakers and scavenger hunts. In fact, many businesses
provide these team building services to other businesses.
If you believe that your workplace could use a little group TLC,
consider discussing further with your supervisor or even
colleagues. Conduct some research on team building activities
and locate service providers. Identify the personality of your
workplace and decide which activity would best suit its needs.
While you're seeking ways to team build as a group, also think
of actions that you as an individual can take to promote
collaboration.
For example, offer assistance with a task that a coworker
appears to be struggling with, or at the next group meeting, ask
for the opinion of a colleague who is normally quiet. Make an
effort to practice open and honest communication with your
coworkers. There are many opportunities available to demonstrate
your commitment to working as a team.
Team building offers many benefits in the workplace that empower
employees to create a work environment to which people want to
belong; however, don't let all the hard work overshadow the most
important thing - team work is also about having fun!