A friendly, close-knit team, ready to do everything possible to achieve its goals, is the dream of any leader. At the same time, each top manager wants to see a real team in his company. In a broad sense, this concept means a workforce with a high level of cohesion, each member of which has a commitment to the common goals and values of the organization. A team is nothing more than a group of like-minded people moving towards their goal under the leadership of a leader. He is the highest official of this organization.
But how to create such a team?
Team building helps to form such a team. From English, this term translates as "team building." In other words, team building. So what is team building, and what methods does it use?
At the dawn of history
Even at the very beginning of the development of human society, people, losing their aggressiveness and socializing, began to gain the possibility of cooperation and mutual assistance. The emerging group territoriality contributed to the consolidation of all members of the tribe. This made it possible to conduct collective labor activities in hunting and in everyday life. If we consider the modern concept, we can say the following: what we call team building today arose in ancient times. Such a phenomenon became a necessary measure designed to increase the effectiveness of collective actions of a certain group of people, at the head of which there was always a leader (leader, leader) or a group of leaders.
In ancient times, the importance of maintaining a good team spirit became one of the main goals of commanders. In order to achieve the unity of the army, among its soldiers, competitions were held for inventiveness, endurance and strength.
Centuries passed, one generation replaced another. But this idea was not abandoned. The leaders of large companies began to implement it. They were the first to think about using a technique that was designed to increase the efficiency of group work. This problem was especially relevant during the years of the industrial revolution. Nevertheless, scientific developments in this area were not created at that time.
The introduction of gaming techniques
Active team building events began in the 40s of the last century in the USA, France and the UK. For this, group and sports games were used. The purpose of such events was to bring together people who were not well-known among themselves, who subsequently had to fulfill a common task. As a result of the use of such games, their effectiveness became apparent. In those years, team-building activities were actively used during the training of military personnel.
Concept development
It is simply impossible to find the exact date in the business literature when the term “team building” was first mentioned. But the founder of this concept is considered an American sociologist and psychologist, Professor Upton Mayo. This scientist at one time was studying the influence of various factors on the growth of labor productivity. His research was carried out at one of Chicago's industrial enterprises. Mayo was able to prove the special role of group and human factors. According to the scientist:
- productivity is directly affected by the relationship between subordinates and the leader;
- increase in output depends on working standards;
- support and care are very important for people, they stimulate more than improving working conditions;
- the workplace has its own culture.
All these conclusions made during the experiment were the first impulse that allowed the concept of team building to emerge.
Modern management theory
Team building event - what is it? Management Theory considers team building from various points of view. On the one hand, it is believed that a team-building event is a process that allows to unite a team. Moreover, it is based on such scientific areas as organizational development and dynamics, group psychology and group dynamics. Many prominent figures in psychology and management are involved in the development of this concept.
On the other hand, team building events are seen as an alternative direction in development and training. This is confirmed by the fundamental difference between this process and the classical forms of obtaining skills and knowledge. After all, team-building activities are often carried out in nature. At the same time, their participants are trained thanks to their experience and active interaction.
The need for team building
Does your organization need team building activities? Without any doubts. The fact is that today there is a constant increase in competition in economic markets. That is why companies operating in modern conditions have to make great efforts to find innovative solutions that would allow her to become a leader in her field, and then stay in the highest positions.
No less intense competition is observed among specialists. To climb the career ladder and get a decent salary, an employee has to constantly prove to his manager that he is the best in his business. This trend often affects the relationship between team members. But the leader needs well-coordinated team work. Only in this case will it be possible to increase the rating of the company in the market. That is why it is necessary to establish productive communication between employees. Team building events for the team will help this leader. They represent the most joint evenings, field trips and competitions that contribute to the formation of a common corporate philosophy and rallying of employees.
Professional help
How can team-building events be organized? In this, the head of the company is able to help professionals. For example, it’s not at all difficult to order a team building event in Moscow for 250 people or more. To this end, specialized organizations offer their sites for outdoor activities, as well as for banquets and receptions.
Team building events are held every day. The head of the enterprise only needs to choose any of them. It will also be necessary to agree on a team building event scenario. It can be of a very different orientation.
For example, some companies choose hiking trips, during which experts use elements of team building. In the most interesting and original form, such an active holiday will contribute to:
- the formation of motivation aimed at the joint achievement of the result;
- creating a high emotional background and favorable conditions for the physical discharge of employees;
- providing opportunities to realize the potential of specialists in a non-standard environment;
- creating conditions for rallying people and making collective decisions when setting goals.
Very popular today is a script called "Chain Reaction." This is a unique newly developed team building program. Its implementation involves the emancipation of employees, the development of their creative potential and informal relationships, as well as improving the effectiveness of group work and the ability to achieve a common result.
Carrying out such team-building events allows people to get positive emotions, distracting them from the daily routine. But in addition to building relationships in the team, such rest is a vivid demonstration of the care and attention of the authorities shown to their employees. A team building event for company executives is very useful. The director and department heads are given the opportunity to get to know their employees better by discovering their capabilities to enable them to make decisions in the most difficult situations.
How much does the organization of team building events cost? The specific amount will depend on the size of the team, the venue, as well as the need to use special equipment, etc. Based on existing practice, this cost, as a rule, turns out to be less than the one that pours the organization of ordinary parties. However, the effect produced by team building events is much stronger.
Positive results for the company
The high-quality organization of team building allows you to develop a corporate culture among your employees, create a unified spirit in the team and focus on joint activities. In addition, the goal of team building events is:
- stress relief for employees;
- increase the level of trust in the team;
- psychological relaxation of people;
- soft adaptation in the team of new specialists;
- quick suppression of adverse moments that take place in communication between people.
What is the use of corporate team building? Today, such a joint time is becoming an excellent option aimed at stimulating employees. With a regular schedule of team-building events, they have a greater effect than bonuses and bonuses for employees. In addition, the high-quality organization of team building allows you to strengthen the company's image in the market and attract highly qualified specialists to its ranks.
Positive results for employees
The organization of team building helps each of the employees to get to know their work colleagues better and get closer to them, while revealing their best qualities. During such events, each person gains confidence that he has significance for the company.
When organizing team building, various options can be used. Let's consider them in more detail.
One day programs
Let's get acquainted with examples of team building events. As one of the options for organizing team building - a game that is held on a theme site and is associated with exciting adventures. This may also include sports tasks. This, for example, the team-building event "Rope Course", as well as "Laser Tag", etc., conducted in nature. Company employees travel to a picturesque place and are in the fresh air. This contributes to their psychological and physical recovery.
In addition, all team members receive joint decision-making skills , the ability to work in a team and take responsibility for all actions of partners.
Weekend Departure
Such events are an interesting and fun pastime. They bring together even those people who are little familiar with each other. Departure with the team for the weekend allows you to rally the team. In this case, exceptional conditions are created to overcome the difficulties that stand in the way.
Such team-building events are usually organized in forest glades, picturesque shores, in sanatoriums, etc. If the necessary funds are available, management can organize team building abroad, including educational and cognitive events in the form of trainings, master classes, visits to exhibitions, etc.
The weekend, held under the slogan of team building, remains in memory as dynamic and exciting.
Office Team Building
Team building events in this case are organized directly at the workplace. This type of team building for management is the most economical. Nevertheless, at low costs, it is possible to obtain the highest result.
In addition to cost savings, the office option is beneficial due to the speed of preparation. This makes it possible to tighten the schedule of team building events. They can be carried out even on weekdays. Such a move will ensure the presence of 100% of employees. There are a lot of examples of team-building events for the team held in the office. These can be various scenarios, including entertaining and business, intellectual, etc.
Games and tasks used to organize such an event in the office are selected depending on the size of the premises, the number of employees, as well as on the goals that the manager sets for himself.
Team Building Ideas
How to conduct a team building event at the highest level? To do this, it will be necessary with all responsibility to approach its preparation. For example, to establish relationships between employees, it is best if the “Rope Course” is used.
Even before the event, you will need to form a team, without taking into account the personal sympathies of employees. At the same time, the team captain is selected, its motto and name are invented. Sometimes participants are introduced to the rules of the game in advance. All tasks should be selected in such a way that they are most consistent with the characteristics of the team.
Active Team Building
Such programs will increase confidence between employees. There are a lot of examples of team-building activities for the team, carried out in an active form. So, a game of builders can be played. It helps to increase concentration and teach concentration.
According to the scenario of the game, participants are invited to complete the task, for which they should receive virtual money. Further, for the points received, team members have the right to “buy” all the necessary materials. Moreover, the better the players will cope with their tasks, the larger will be the list of acquired by them. During the event, the task of the facilitator is the correct reallocation of roles in the team. This will orient people towards common goals.
Photography hunt
This is one of the most wonderful ideas for organizing team building. During such an event, its participants develop a fantasy, reveal hidden talents. In this case, all the necessary conditions are created that allow to unite the team.
Organizing a photo hunt is quite simple. The facilitator will just need to set the topic to which the photographs should be devoted, as well as the time to complete them. For the most striking works, participants are given valuable prizes. The task in this case should be issued specific. This may be, for example, a selection of pictures of random passers-by for social advertising, collage, etc. In fulfilling the tasks of a photo hunt, not professionalism should be taken into account, but the creative abilities and creativity of the participants.
Holding such an event will not require large financial expenses. However, it will provide excellent results in achieving the goal of team building.
Quests and adventures
This is one of the most interesting options for team building events. The scenario in this case can be very different. Often, the principle of the well-known Fort Boyard game is used as a basis. Participants in this quest must cope with various tasks, the successful completion of which is possible only with the effective actions of each of the team members.
The best time to hold such an event is the warm season. This will allow employees to escape from the bustle of the office, to go in nature. The quest, conducted in the fresh air, will certainly bring people together.
Creative workshops
Such events are recommended to reveal the creative potential of employees. In this case, a variety of directions can be involved. Among them are cooking and painting, pottery and so on. When choosing one or another option, you should consider the features of the team.
For such events, you will need to attract a specialist. With its help it will be possible to learn the basics of mastery in the chosen field of creativity.
The team in this case should be tuned in a friendly manner. It is very important that the moments of competition between the participants are completely excluded.
"Rope course"
Such training is an effective technology that allows you to build a team and develop leadership. The tasks of the “Rope Course” provide for overcoming physical, emotional and intellectual obstacles, which allows to improve teamwork skills and relationships within it. , , .
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A prerequisite for passing the "Rope Course" is the participation of all team members in it. This can be any available method, namely emotional support, advice or a knee substituted. In this case, the participant who, due to his objective limitations, is physically unable to perform the exercises, sometimes becomes the main strategist.