Team Building Exercises: What Are They Really For and How Do You Get Started?

Hello Seniors,

I would like to know about Team Building Exercises. What is the purpose of the same and how do we execute them?

Regards,
Sujata

Hi Sujata,

Team building exercises are undertaken in organizations so that one is able to get an understanding of colleagues in and out of office situations. Usually, such workshops are conducted in a location away from the office where people are able to disengage from the office environment and interact with not just their usual circle of contacts, as is often the case in the office setting.

The process typically involves a set of exercises based on a theme, designed to encourage maximum interaction among team members. The ultimate goal organizations aim to achieve through conducting team building exercises is to build personal rapport among team members, which can add value in work situations.

There are training consultants who specialize in outbound team building workshops.

I hope this helps.

Sherine

Hi Shrein,

I believe it... It happens when everyone is together. What about when, because of one person, everybody suffers. So we can't do Team Building Exercise!!

Regards,
Swati

Hi Swati,

It is best when all in the team are present, but I guess you can't have everyone's convenience taken care of. You have to cut off at some point, or else you cannot make this happen.

The ideal situation would be to announce the date of the team-building exercise at the beginning of the year so that everyone can plan accordingly, but there will surely be absentees on account of work/family, etc.

Thanks,
Sherine

Dear Sujata,

Team building exercises are helpful in understanding the importance of teamwork. A number of books are available on the subject. I have used them and found them to be quite effective.

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar
Soft Skill Trainer