When done right, it is supposed to lift morale and boost camaraderie but if you mess up — which many do without realising, it could be tragic. Here are five pitfalls to watch for which destroy team morale
Forcing Participation in Physical Activities
Not everyone likes running or hiking outdoors. Forcing team members to literally hit the rocks and/or undertake assault courses can humiliate those who are less athletic — it does not lead to a sense of camaraderie. Always offer alternative inclusion activities that do not require physical fitness.
Ignoring Introverts
Between high-energy icebreakers and forced socialising, it’s as though such team members are treading water in a pool of acid. Some strategies leave employees feeling more dried-up and paranoid about their identity rather than soaked in life.
Scheduling Outside Work Hours
If you expect staff to give up evenings or weekends for team building then the message that sends out is horrible. I think it implies that their time doesn’t matter and takes something that should be fun for them and turns into a “Have To” which causes resentment. For Corporate Team Building Activities, contact https://www.270climbing.com/group-activities/corporate-team-building/
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Certain tactics would work for a sales team that drops like rock with accountants. Avoid those generic activities that have actually nothing to do with your team.
No Follow-Through
If you are planning a team building day after which the continuation of your toxic culture will return then forget it. Support insights and connections made during activities — If these are not underpinned by ongoing cultural improvements, staff will see it as performative box-ticking.
The Bottom Line
Quality team building is about intention, inclusion and real work to change workplace culture. Do it right and morale goes up, get it wrong, and you have thrown time and money away.