How to Host a Corporate Team Building Event

Corporate team building events are targeted to not only enhance employee performance, but also give birth to a healthy working environment. Since these events usually take up a lot of resources, it is crucial that certain factors be given attention so as to ensure that the aims of the event are met.

To begin with, it is important to understand and outline the main objectives of the event being hosted. So, if the objective is to take an already performing team further and reward it for its performance, then an event of celebration would be more useful. On the other hand, if the idea of the event is to break down the communication barriers between the team, then the approach will need to be completely different. The first and foremost step to hosting a successful corporate team building event is clearly identifying the goals and objectives.

The next stage is a more intensive one -- the entire planning of the event. Right from briefing the staff about the event to its final execution, each aspect needs to be carefully planned. Both the psychological aspects as well as the logistics of the event will need to be taken into account. So on one hand while the emotional health of the team members needs to be considered as part of the planning process, at the same time details such as location and seating will need detailed attention as well.

Planning of the event will also involve ensuring that the team members network with each other. This can be a difficult task since most will want to sit with their closest coworkers. Step in with a seating plan and ensure that friends are not put on the same table or in the same team. Create an atmosphere for the team to get to know each other during the team building event.

There has to be meaningful activity once the event does start; so simply making mixing up the employees to interact with other departments/groups will not work. Choose an activity that the team will undertake that will bring them closer to the goal of the event. Remember futile activity will lead the team towards cynicism. This will have the almost opposite effect than the organizer has in mind. So at all times keep the team members engaged in a positive and beneficial approach that will leave them feeling enriched once the event is over.

Follow up is one of the most important aspects of a team building event and ensures that the event has positive and lasting effects. A follow up involves maintaining the spirit created by the event right through the year. Lack of continuous follow up will soon see the employees returning to the status quo, and not applying the valuable knowledge acquired in the event. It is crucial that the atmosphere created at the team building event is regularly recreated in the work place; in other words, keep the ball rolling. Communication lines between the employees must be continually fostered. In order to reap the benefits of the corporate team building event, appreciation and recognition must be displayed for those who are performing.