Why We Need to Change How We Do Team Building

Team-building activities have been a common part of company culture for years. From trust falls to escape rooms, these activities are designed to help coworkers bond and work better together. But as workplaces change, it's clear that the old ways of doing team-building may not be enough. Instead, we should look at outcome-based experiential learning that focuses on what each specific team needs to grow.

The Problems with Traditional Team Building

Traditional team-building often uses the same activities for everyone. While these can be fun, they sometimes feel irrelevant or disconnected from what team members really experience at work. Here are a few reasons why this approach can be problematic:

1. Not Relevant: Generic activities may work for some teams, but not for others. This can lead to boredom or disengagement because team members feel their specific situations aren’t considered.

2. Short-Term Fun: Many team-building events create a temporary boost in team spirit, but they often don't lead to long-term changes in how the team works together.

3. Missing Growth Opportunities: Without a focus on a team’s real goals or issues, traditional retreats might waste time that could have been spent on learning important skills.

The Benefits of Outcome-Based Experiential Learning

Outcome-based experiential learning focuses on getting specific results and improving team performance based on their current needs. Here’s why this approach is better:

1. Customized Activities: Learning experiences can be designed specifically for the team, helping them work on their unique challenges, like communication or trust.

2. Practical Learning: This type of learning involves hands-on activities that mimic real-life work situations. This helps team members apply what they learn right away.

3. Long-Lasting Impact: When experiences are designed with clear goals, they encourage lasting changes in behaviour. Teams will take practical skills back to their daily work.

4. More Engagement: Customized activities are often more interesting for team members. When they see how these experiences relate to their work, they are more likely to participate.

How to Make the Change

To successfully switch to an outcome-based approach, organizations can try several steps:

1. Identify Team Needs: Start by asking team members about their challenges and what they want to improve. This will help create a program that truly meets their needs.

2. Work with Experts: Hiring facilitators who know about experiential learning can ensure that the activities are effective and relevant.

3. Set Clear Goals: Establish specific objectives for what the team should accomplish with the experience. This gives a clear direction and makes it easier to measure success later.

4. Follow-Up and Review: After the activities, gather feedback from team members and evaluate how things have changed. Use this information to make future programs even better.

Conclusion

While traditional team-building activities have some value, they should be updated to fit the changing workplace. By focusing on outcome-based experiential learning tailored to each team’s needs, companies can improve teamwork, develop important skills, and ensure lasting growth. In a world where collaboration is crucial, this new approach can help teams work better together and succeed.