Tag Archive for 'team building'

The True Meaning and Significance of Team Building

Published
by
Bartt Iccles
on October 27, 2009
in self improvement
. 0 Comments

The term team building may not be new to us but it is not surprising that many of us still do not have a full understanding of what this term really means. More often than not, we see team building as an opportunity to get away from the humdrum of everyday work and experience a paid vacation with our colleagues. To others, it is merely a waste of corporate or organizational time and money as it does not really help build teams, but only gives employees a reason to take a long break from work.

It can be quite difficult to fully define what this term really means. When used in a business context, it refers to a wide range of activities geared towards the improvement of team performance. It can be pursued through many different kinds of practices which can range from simple bonding activities or exercises to complex work and situational simulations to multiple day retreats that are all designed to help build or develop a team. The term should not be confused or interchanged with team recreation, because team recreation merely consists of different activities for teams that are purely recreational.

Team building is often associated with business organizations and is generally discussed within the theory and practice of organizational behavior and development. However, it is not limited to enterprises and organizations alone - it can also be applied to school groups, civic organizations, sports teams, and many others.

Many business and organizational executives, managers, leaders, and even regular employees believe that this concept plays an important role in any environment because it focuses on and specializes in bringing out the best in a team and in each of its members. With improved team performance, teams can better ensure that there are enhanced leadership skills, positive communication, and self development within the team. This can result to an improved ability to work closely together as a team to solve problems more effectively and efficiently.

While there are business enterprises and organizations that focus on specific individuals and personal goals (with rewards and recognition that single out the achievements of certain individual employees), this does not mean that teams no longer have a place in the company or organization. This tendency of focusing more on individual achievements only emphasizes the growing challenge of developing effective teams within the workplace, civic group, sports club or school organization through team building activities.

CMOE has been helping companies with the game of work bookand team building since 1978. Through the game of work program and other innovative business techniques CMOE has established themselves a leader in the business world. Visit www.cmoe.com for more information.

The Truth About Team Building

Published
by
Bart Icles
on September 8, 2009
in self improvement
. 0 Comments

We have so often heard about companies and organizations building teams and we might have even tried to build teams among ourselves but do we really have a good idea of what team building is about? Yes, team building refers to that method of enhancing or developing collective or collaborative performance and we are all familiar with this concept. However, many of us still fail at building teams that really work. One of the main reasons is our lack of knowledge or understanding about what building teams really is.

We often fail at building teams because most of the time, we are unsure of how to start making teams. In many cases, building teams becomes ineffective because advanced techniques are used while there is lack of commitment to shared goals or objectives. We also fail at building teams when the techniques we employ are out of sequence, when too many off-site activities do not seem to add any real and lasting value because members of the group - or what would have been a team - take the off-site activities as opportunities for taking a break rather than opportunities for the achievement of the specific goals of the team building activity.

There is a simple yet effective way of building teams that many of us tend to overlook. This simple yet effective process involves establishing ownership of common or shared goals, removing blocks or inhibitors to the achievement of such goals and objectives, introducing enablers to help achieve goals and objectives, and using team building activities and processes in an appropriate sequence to raise performance step-by-step - very much like climbing a ladder taking one rung at a time.

The foundation of building teams should be giving commitment to common or shared goals. Individuals or members should understand that this commitment to common goals differentiates a team from a mere group. Many people mistake their commitment to their own goals as commitment to the team. Therefore, facilitators should see to it that each and every member understands that teams require collaborative effort and commitment, not commitment to individual wants and desires.

Building teams is more than just putting individuals together in a group and giving them a name. Building teams requires a deep understanding of the commitment towards shared efforts and common goals. The whole process of making teams requires specific techniques and strategies needed in establishing shared goals and in developing steps that will bring the team closer to its vision or objectives.

CMOE has been helping companies with executive coaching and team building since 1978. Through leadership coaching and other innovative business techniques CMOE has established themselves a leader in the business world. Visit www.cmoe.com for more information.

Team Building on Catalina Island.

Published
by
Heather P. Harvey
on June 5, 2009
in Golf and self improvement
. 0 Comments
by Heather P. Harvey

Corporate team-building is paramount to the success of any company. Stimulated, happy employees are not only more resourceful problem solvers, they are more productive in a group environment. The payoff from holding on a team-building event is simple to grasp; increased creativity and productivity!

Your employees spend day after day together working in the office, but they rarely get to know each other in a social setting. Stepping out from behind the desk anb playing interactive games creates a whole new dynamic for your employees. Activities like this are crucial for overcoming sterotypes and breaking free from everyday routine thinking.

Inviting your employees to interact on a level playing field, away from the hierarchies and job titles, helps them begin to understand the importance of being a cohesive team, capable of achieving goals together. This is as simple as picking up a ball and having a good time with each other.

Catalina Island is the perfect place for your corporate team-building event. The island is set up perfectly for these type of events, and it is just a short drive and ferry ride from San Diego or Los Angeles. Following are some great ideas to add to your list of team-building events, all waiting for you on Catalina Island:

Catalina Island Golf Cart Road Rally

This is not your ordinary road rally! Four person teams take to the streets of Avalon in a one of Catalina Islands famous modified golf carts, armed with a colorful local area map and a booklet of Avalon trivia. Drivers and passengers discover Catalina’s rich history while exercising their teamwork skills. Each milestone is documented with a polaroid camera and points are scored as each team meets their goals. The road rally is a perfect way to explore the island, learn, and makes a great team-building experience.

Catalina Island Super Beach Sports

Get your “Game Face” on a grassy area a hundred yards from the beach in front of a private beachfront club. The private club is capable of fully catered lunches and dinners for large groups in its restaurant. Events can include pigskin relay, gunny sack races, hula hoop toss, croquette, volleyball, Frisbee, horseshoes, water balloon toss and beach scavenger hunt. Activities can be easily customized to suit your requirements. It is a perfect place to “take over” and enjoy for the day!

Catalina Island Kayak Relay Races

Paddle towards victory with your partner! Easy to maneuver two-person sit-on-top ocean kayaks provide the vehicle for this popular team-building event. The safe, calm waters of Avalon Bay provide the perfect venue. Kayakers are challenged to complete sklilled maneuvers like backwards paddling while navigating a watery course. Of course, each two-person team must work together to achieve their goals. The colorful kayaks, friendly competition, sunshine and crystal clear water brings out the kid in everyone involved!

Catalina Island Golf Tournaments

No Golf Pros here! Bring the whole office to the fairway and get ready to tee off. Enough said? Golf is fun no matter who you are Unless you hate golf, in which case you get to drive the cart and have a beer ” everyone loves that!

Catalina Island Mini-Golf Tournaments

Perhaps a day on the green is too much like your weekend routine. Then hold your event at the Catalina Island Mini-Golf facility. Putting around the course is a great way to enjoy friendly competition and have a good laugh with your co-workers.

Catalina Island Jet-Ski competitions

Perhaps your employees need to be shaken up a bit! Organizing a Jet-Ski competition is something they wont soon forget, and is guaranteed fun!

Catalina Island is an accessible and affordable destination for your corporate event. Your employees will love the ride over and a fun filled day of unique Island-Style team-building events, great food and drinks.

About the Author:
There are many affordable and exciting Catalina Island vacation packages that can be tailor fit to meet your needs. Check out the official Catalina Island Vacation website for further information on the island and other Catalina Island vacation packages.
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