Fun Exercises For Team Building

A defining moment for any team or organization is when the group stops being a collection of individuals working together and starts working as a single unit in pursuit a definite goal. The sooner that happens, the more productive the team is and the greater the success it can achieve. Instead of waiting and hoping that that transition happens sooner rather than later, there are specific activities that can help facilitate the process while enabling the team members to enjoy themselves.

Sharing

Patrick Lencioni, author of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," writes that the biggest barrier to team chemistry is lack of trust caused by not knowing each other well enough. To address that problem have each group member prepare a five-to-seven minute presentation on himself. Encourage them to make it fun by talking about family and outside interests in addition to specific strengths. Not everyone on a team has to be best friends to be successful and the purpose of sharing isn't to manipulate team members into liking each other. It's about building the trust and respect necessary to work together at the highest level.

Fitness Activities

There's something about a team being broken while together that builds camaraderie. Physical activity is the quickest way to do that while still making it feel like a game. National Bank's regional manager, Gavin McCormick, told Sun Live News that a strenuous fitness program helped business by bringing his branch managers closer. When someone next to you finds the strength to encourage you through your struggles despite struggling herself, it proves she will be there when times get hard. Cheering each other on builds morale and knowing you are all in it together will make those difficult times easier.

Scavenger Hunts

Working together in any competitive environment strengthens the team and builds trust. Give the team members a chance to come through for each other in crunch-time situations. That way when it's a real life, back-against-the wall dilemma, team members will have a point of reference proving they can succeed, both individually and as a team. Scavenger hunts are a good way to do that while still allowing an element of fun. Structure it in a way that the team members are working on tangible skills over the course of the activity.

Rookie Initiation

It can be difficult to bring new members into a group when there is established team chemistry. Making the new guy prove his dedication is a way to make that transition seamless. Regarding the process, "Sports Illustrated" contributor and former NFL player Ross Tucker writes, "...it allows a young player to earn the respect of his elder teammates as he proves to them he can handle everything that is asked of him..." You can do this be having the "veterans" come up with duties for the "rookies," such as bringing the team breakfast for a week or encouraging harmless pranks that everyone--even those pranked--can laugh about. Some people call it paying your dues and others call it hazing. Whatever the name, it's productive as long as the activities allow the new member to prove himself without undercutting the unity of the team.