I am working on a presentation about Team building and would like your contribution...
Sylvie EdwardsProfessor/Program coordinator| Durham College (DC)Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Can you tell me what your on the cheap best tricks to team building are and why they have worked so well with your team (s)?
Really appreciate the help... Will provide quote in the presentation to anyone who comes up with great ones that I have not seen, heard or read of before. Saving Changes...
Alan CaseySenior Project Manager| Ford Motor Credit CompanyDewitt, Mi, United States
I think that the team grows when you, as a leader, provide a fertile environment. Do this via your own behaviors by:
1. Bringing a smile, positive attitude, and energy to the team.
2. Recognizing production - Focus on what is getting done when with the group (private chats for what is not getting done)
3. Taking the hit. You are the PM and Leader. If there is a problem it is your responsibility. Shield your team members for all but your own wrath.
4. Asking, not telling. "What is the best way to get this done?" "What do you need from me?" "Which feature will have more 'Wow'?"
In summary, don't try to "make" team building happen, "let" it happen.
PS: Check out "The Wisdom of Teams" by Jon R. Katzenbach, et al
Saving Changes...
Sunando ChaudhuriDirector - PMO & Governance| ModonDist: Burdwan, West Bengal, India
My take on this: -
1. Most important: Showing the team you are one of them and supporting them always. More to saying the right things. That gives them the confidence that you always fight their case.
2. Give them their due credits. Thank them for small things. This becomes very important and increases trust.
3. Believe in the team. Take inputs from everyone. Do your own if need be but definitely take inputs from everyone. Run your decisions with the team to get a simple buy in. I have seen this works the best as they start feeling it is their suggestion that has been used.
4. Be there for the team - vital as that only gives them confidence about your attitute tiwards them, build belief and TRUST.
I personally feel Trust is the key. There is nothing more that matters in a team building. The team should be able to open up infront of others. I know this is a cliche but it is a fact that employees leave organization due to managers so if the trust os there, you would have a great team. Saving Changes...
Alan CaseySenior Project Manager| Ford Motor Credit CompanyDewitt, Mi, United States
I came across this blog post that I think is on point for you . . .
Not my blog, just thought of you question as I read. Saving Changes...
Jayson ReadProject ManagerEden Prairie, Mn, United States
The entire team goes out for lunch every Friday... and plan for it but don't make it mandatory. Share rides to the site so everyone isn't riding by themselves and they have an opportunity to chat and laugh with each other (to Hans' point). This doesn't have to be a company-sponsored lunch. Most everyone eats out for lunch at least once a week, let that day be the day of the week.
You'd be surprised at how it can bring a team together and it's a nice way to start relaxing at the end of a long week. Saving Changes...
Huw EvansSenior Manager, Projects and Partnerships| Vicinity CentresMount Waverley, Vic, Australia
Cake baking/buying competition.
Organise a weekly time for the team to gather, and everyone takes it in turn to either bake or buy a cake. The cake should be that person's favourite.
Only takes about 15-20 mins each week. Encourages group discussion about a safe, not work related item (cakes). Allows you to observe the teams interactions informally.
Why not just ask the team! in something that they all will want to be part - from my experience the ones that really team build is away from work [fun days] all the barriers are down and that is when people start to jell together but retaining their individuality too. Happy people make happy employees! Saving Changes...
Gerald MetzgerDirector| PwCPalm Bch Gdns, Fl, United States
Announce publicly during the project that you will pay a performance-based project bonus if the project comes in on time, budget and expected quality. If the bonus potential is large enough, it motivates a fair amount of people quit a bit. Requires of course sponsor approval and ability to pay the funds.
Saving Changes...
Gerald MetzgerDirector| PwCPalm Bch Gdns, Fl, United States
I bring my team together once a week for 20 to 30 minutes, communicate what Sponsor and Steers are thinking and talking about, provide my 2 cents and then hand out a reward for an exceptional performer of the week. Have established a voting system where each team member can nominate somebody who performed well. The focus is on x-functional work and excellence. Saving Changes...
