Teambuilding Activities for Better Team Performance

Team building fits into organizational behaviour theory. Within this teams use self-assessment as a way of continuous improvement and to manage how effective the team is. Focusing on team building and team work has traditionally been a low priority for businesses, instead ignoring their human assets and concentrating on sales and productivity. However, with the global market and increased pressures on business, in order to stay competitive, team building activities are essential to capitalise on their best assets; the employees. Valued and motivated employees are far more productive and team building empowers employees and creates good communication channels and relationships. 

Team building should be within the fabric of the business model rather than a one off event. It is a committed on-going process that should be well-planned out and tailored to individual needs as well as ultimately the business needs. It is no good building a team around solving complex mathematical problems if the business never requires such as team. Team building games equally needs to suit individuals within the business taking into account ages, abilities and what they feel comfortable taking part in.

There are many reasons for introducing team building into the workplace and there are plenty of team building games and activities to use depending on resources, time and needs. As already mentioned communication is one of the top reasons along with stimulating creativity and thought processes, finding new ways to problem solve and strategize, bring about change and manage change and encourage a learning environment. On an individual level, knowing your own strengths and weaknesses can enable a team to work to everyone's strengths and create a dynamic environment with collective potential.

Activities and games for team building range from simple games like the Amazing race, quizzes and ice breakers to more complex tasks, day activities and even full weekend activities. All these team building exercises are designed to nurture effective team working to create a solid and consistent group of individuals able to work towards shared goals and targets.When looking at activities and games team building works best when employees have a say in what they do as this will develop individuals potential. People may have shared interests or a special expertise that team building activities can be organised around. A mix of activities within a plan will enable all employees to achieve and learn at their own pace. If inviting the entire workplace is unachievable then one day workshops for selected groups may work best. It's all about finding a range of team building activities that will work best for your business and your employees.

Team building is an essential part of business and should be incorporated into every business strategy to ensure global competitiveness, efficiency and good overall performance. There are lots of different approaches to team building and businesses need to carefully assess why team building is needed within their workplace in order to get the most out of it. An on-going plan ensures team building continues to provide positives for the business.