The knives are out....for Team Building.

Recently came across this vodaphone billboard advertisement frowning on outdoor team development activites. 

Is this a reflection of peoples perception of such events? 

There seems to be an increasing trend of putting down 'Team building'. Is this because its an easy target? Or is it the reality that people in the teams don't value or see the value in outdoor experiential activities?

Well maybe it's both.

As a provider of outdoor activities and team development we often come across clients historic experiences where people have been forced to endur all kinds of 'extreme' activities in the name of 'fun' or 'development'.

These frequently do nothing more than polorize teams rather than bring them together - unless you class hatred toward the event organisor as a common denominator!

Whilst stretching people, taking them comfortably outside of their comfort-zone and involving them in outdoor activities are often used, there has to be consideration and a proven tangible benefit.

When we design our interventions we're careful to highlight the 'challenge by choice' principle.

We never force people to do anything they don't want to do.

The level of engagement they are asked to participate with is entirely down to them.

The other aspect of these activities are that they have to address relevant issues within the team. Otherwise what's the point?

Discussing and debriefing the activity is key. Reviewing the learning and how that can be applied back in to the work environment is crucial for the success of the activitiy and event. Without this it does become a worthless task.

Perhaps that's the problem historically and what's driving this perception of Team Building.

There hasn't been the 'link' back to business issues and behaviours. Maybe the focus has been on mis-guided perception of fun and motivational events, without substance.

Anyone for paintball? bowling...? drumming?...no?!...oh well.