Do a Google search for “team construction,” and you’ll be amazed by the number of options that fill the screen. Drumming circles, laser tag, firewalks, paintball, team meals, murder mystery, treasure hunts, ropes courses, improv theater The list goes endlessly. Selecting the best company for team building among the many options available could be like choosing the cereal you buy from the breakfast aisle at the supermarket. All the boxes are attractive and well-packaged, but which one is the most delicious and healthiest meal for the money?
If it’s cereal to feed your kids or a team setting up for your corporate gathering, the most important thing to make educated choices is knowing your team and understanding what you want to achieve. Following these seven steps will put you on the correct path to choosing the perfect outfit for team building for your business.
Step 1.) To Yourself–Ask questions:
Says Rudi Diezmann, director of Server Development at Adobe Systems, following the recent team-building session, “We wanted to find an event that everyone could take part in. Activities that are strenuous typically result in the loss of about 10 to 15 percent of participants immediately.” Are you as sure as Diezmann regarding what your team is capable of handling? Do you have a good understanding of the general demographic and the personalities of your particular group? Do you think your group is more suited to a strenuous outdoor sport that is high-impact (like river rafting, outward bound-style survivor courses, etc. ), Or is a less-impact course more suitable? Although a small group of enthusiastic, youthful 20-somethings may be able to enjoy a day of strenuous climbing and rappelling, an entire group of engineers from different generations might be more suited to an indoor, more relaxed program of the classroom setting. Be aware of your group, and the training session will be held.
Step 2.) Speaking honestly
Are they telling you in a straightforward manner? There’s a scene within the film Miracle on 34th Street where Kris Kringle, the department store Santa who believes he truly is St. Nick and refers a shopper to a different store. The manager is furious at first, but then the shopper informs her friends how they’re helpful at Macy’s, and the company’s business swells. This is the kind of honesty you should look for in prospective teams building businesses. Are they able to promise you the moon regardless of the restrictions or objections you make to them, or are they truly looking out for your best interests and trying to meet your requirements, even if that means referring you to a different company? The rule of thumb is to look to find “helpers, “not “promisers.”
Step 3.) Outcomes, Results, outcomes.
According to Rick Sauer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Oldcastle Precast Communications, “We were looking for a program to build teams that were effective and enjoyable, as well as provide long-term benefits. (After our team building event) the team is doing better.” The majority of organizations use and reuse the same language and promises to help the participants improve their morale, work as in a group, create strategies communicate, think creatively as well as enable, plan, take action, etc.” But what does it really mean? The most important thing to consider when putting the rubber down the road is whether your employees learn practical business-related skills in the course? What’s often thought of like team building these days is nothing more than “morale-boosting,” the equivalent of playing billiards, or even going to an establishment – fun to be confident, but very difficult for you to convince your budget-conscious bosses. Check that your team-building service can provide concrete commercial “take-outs.” Do you have worksheets? or action steps? What are the tools for communication that employees are able to use immediately? Training for team-building seminars should include the possibility of re-using tools to teams back in the office.
Step 4.) Do you have a Customization?
You head to the pharmacy to look for aspirin. After scanning shelves, after shelves of generic medications, You come across a package that has your name and image on the cover. A bit scary, perhaps, but what aspirin will you purchase? When you’re looking to build your team, you don’t need something that is generic or “off the shelves.” When you are having conversations, pay attention to how attentively the outfit talks to you. Are they keen to become acquainted with your site or products as well as the most current “hot” problems you’re dealing with? Are they proficient in your company’s terminology and buzzwords? Sauer says Sauer, “We look for programs that aren’t canned. They should be tailored and relevant to our business.”
5.) Location (location, location.
Let’s say the new hairdresser is located in two places – one is a modern, contemporary shop situated in the city’s outskirts while the other is an old-fashioned villa situated at the foothills of the Sierras. In the ago, you could have taken a leisurely trip to the getaway in the estate. However, gas prices are high today, and the time you have is valuable. We are grateful for the convenience of having shops that are close by. In today’s economic environment, which is a bit tighter post-9/11, cutting costs for travel is of paramount importance. Does the potential team-building business provide an accessible location no more than 30 minutes away from your workplace? Perhaps, even better, can they visit you? Time and travel, as we all know, are money.
6.) Ma’am, May I see your credentials, please?
You’ve come across this fantastic team-building company on the internet, run by a famous, nationally-known management consultant. On the day of the training session, you’ll be shocked when your instructors appear to be merely college students earning an hourly rate of $12 for their cheerful personality and “cheerleading” abilities. Knowing the credentials of the team-building company’s facilitators is essential. Where are their trainers from? What is their experience? Furthermore, what are the company’s past clients? Are they only just beginning their journey, or do they have “corporate” expertise and have worked with famous customers (with “big-business” requirements)? Furthermore, is the company managed by a group? Are they able to organize team-building training for their staff? A company that builds teams must be able to practice what they teach.
7.) the Customer Is King…or does it?
What number of times did you send an inquiry email about a service offered by a company but never receive an answer? Perhaps, you get the unwelcome auto-mailer! Customer service is a significant factor in determining the difference between the team’s building crew and the next. Are they able to answer your emails or phone calls promptly? Same day? At the same time? Are they able to provide references right from the start and save you the hassle of asking for references later? Do they send you a marketing package regardless of whether you’re a “pre-qualified” customer or not? Selecting the “easy to deal with” firm will help you avoid a lot of frustration in the days leading close to the start of the program.
