Team Building: Top 10 tips

Here are our top 10 tips to help you implement an effective team building programme:

1. Set clear objectives: A team building event can only be as effective as the objectives set. It is advised that you have a face-to-face meeting with the supplier to ensure they are aware of the objectives you are trying to achieve. Don't be afraid to discuss your objectives for the entire event, often seeing where the team building fits into the overall event can help improve the effectiveness of it.

2. Choose the right activity: Many team building activities are enticing by their names and themes but do not necessarily deliver on any level other than fun and ‘general team building'. A reputable supplier should be able to offer you advice on how their games will benefit your team and help meet your objectives.

3. Feedback to your delegates: After the game has finished, ensure you feedback to your delegates. A quick overview of what they should have experienced and learned during the game can dramatically increase the effectiveness of it.

4. Choose the right venue: The right venue can help set the tone the event, the right location can improve attendance and the right facilities for your programme to help streamline the organisation process. If you have already chosen your team building supplier ask them for venue suggestions, they often have a wealth of venue knowledge gathered from previous events.

5. Use a reputable company: Many companies offer teambuilding and it is important that you can trust your supplier. If you have already booked your venue, ask them who their preferred supplier is. This is always a good starting point, as most venues will choose a supplier that they trust. If in doubt ask for references and examples of previous work.

6. Work on attendance levels: A team building programme is only effective if those required to experience it are there. Simple measures like inviting delegates early, holding the event on a weekday, making the event compulsory and providing transport solutions will help improve attendances.

7. Buy Better: Less events mean lower supplier prices. It is always worth shopping around and obtaining a few quotes to find the best price. Many team building companies offer similar products under different names but be wary, picking a financially sound company during economic downturns is always important. When obtaining quotes always let suppliers know you are shopping around, that always gets their attention!!

8. Pay per head: If budgets are being squeezed, insist you pay the supplier on a per head basis. This means you can book on a minimum number and hopefully reduce the overall event cost.

9. Allow adequate time in your event schedule: When planning the event schedule work with your team building supplier to allow adequate time.

10. Get feedback: Obtaining feedback after the event from delegates is vital in learning the dynamics of the group you are working with and is key to improving your team building programmes year on year.

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