True or false: in order to make your team stronger, you have to spend a lot of money and go through a multi-step program. False! Building a strong team isn’t about the quantity or the complexity of the strengthening exercises you do. It’s about the quality of the team-building you do.
First of all, in order to get to where you want to be, you have to know who you want to be. Once you know what you value, you can start brainstorming ways to get there. For example, perhaps you want your team to be able to think and work well under pressure. Consider an “escape room” adventure! It gives everyone an opportunity to use their strengths, and work together to beat the clock and the game itself. Or, if you’re trying to build your team’s reliance on one another, team spirit, or perseverance, get everyone involved in a 5K or The Spartan Race. These are high energy, high dedication competitions that bring your team together through blood, sweat, and tears. It’s a great way to get out of the office and into a scenario that requires endurance and teamwork to succeed.
Secondly, don’t point your teams in a direction and watch them grow without you! In leading by example, you’ll show them what good team-building looks like. There are countless activities you can do with your team in order to make them stronger. The secret is not getting caught up in people-pleasing or complicated exercises. Focus on activities that shape your team into who you want them to be.