How Can I Effectively Run a Team Building Workshop for a Diverse Group with These Challenges?

Dear All,

I am a Communication Trainer; however, I would need to conduct a Training Session on Team Building for a team in my firm. This team is a mix of Team Leaders, their immediate subordinates, and their trainee juniors.

Their manager had addressed the following concerns about this team:
1. Cannot take positive criticism.
2. Too much of "me" among the team members.
3. No cooperation at all.
4. The team leaders and their immediate subordinates stay grouped which makes the trainee juniors feel left out and results in being treated unfairly.
5. Lack of maturity.
6. Inappropriate delegation of work.
7. Ineffective Time Management.

Please suggest how I should go about organizing a Team Building training session or workshop for such a mixed audience but on the same issue. Please guide.

With much thanks, Regards,
KVE

Dear KVE,

You can create groups, each with a team leader, their subordinates, and junior trainees. Then, you can ask them to produce a drama or play and enact the same. This will result in unleashing their innovative selves, mixing them up with each other, and will be entertaining for all of them as well. Ask each one of them to take part.

Regards, Radhika

Dear Radhika,

Thank you for your time and suggestions. I found it very interesting. As you mentioned, it could actually unleash their interpersonal behaviors. However, could you also guide me about the course content for Team Building? I understand that team building training for individuals with such issues would need to be tailored. I find myself lost about the course content.

Please suggest.

Regards,
KVE

This is not a training issue. It is more of a regular coaching and feedback issue. I can tell you that there is one person in the team who is there on a vendetta. The rest of everyone else in the team is following that person's portrayal of the inefficiencies of the team leader/manager.

Try to use that rebel's energy constructively (make him/her feel important but do not give any 'crucial' responsibilities to him/her) or if you cannot do that, then move that person out of the team where he/she can cause the least harm to the team's morale and congenial environment.

I reiterate: This is not a training issue but a coaching issue. If you need a coaching and feedback session for the managers, feel free to involve any of the trainers on the forum (including me).

Best regards,
Jayant Naharwal
+91-9891529268