I am executing a project where team is fragmented in 3 different locations (on same timezone). Can someone share any creative ideas on some team building/fun activities in this scenario.
We have video conference, regular bridges etc on our disposal.
Craig DalrympleCommunity Engagement Specialist| Project Management InstituteTroy, Pa, United States
I've worked on multiple remote teams and have found that starting with a simple chat room where everyone can talk about things like our family, pets, sports, games, etc. helps. The leadership has to encourage this to be a safe space to talk about non-work without going into risky topics, but that helps people bond.
Additional things I've seen are the virtual workplace having fantasy sports clubs with real rewards for the winners, online game competitions, decorate your office space for the season events, and even a pay it forward cookie exchange (get cookies at random, bake and send more to a different team member).
This creates a spirit of fun in ways that are optional, easy to join, and let people see the real people behind the names in email, etc. Saving Changes...
Robert ThamesCEO| Pathways to Transformation LLCFairfield Glade, Tn, United States
Prateek,
One team building exercise that I recommend is that of facilitating a workshop on assessing individual strengths and how that manifests (or should manifest) across team tasks and responsibilities. I have used an assessment for team leadership training for over 20 years called the Kolbe Conative Concept. The Kolbe assessments are a predictor of how people are naturally "wired" for success, and it provides solid information on the behaviors that come from our striving instincts. It has nothing to do with how smart or skilled a person is, or what personality type they have from a psychological perspective. An example where the Kolbe assessments could be of benefit would be a strong project manager that is pragmatic and systematic in their job, possibly conflicting with another team member that is a wildly creative and outside-the box innovator. If those two individuals don't have a language to describe the differences in the natural way they get things done, conflict occurs. When they have a deeper understanding of what they bring to the team, and what others bring that they don't, opportunity for synergy emerges as well as deeper respect. The workshops are best done in person with groups of 20 maximum, and additional team building and coaching exercises can be done virtually once common understanding is established. Please contact me if I can help. Saving Changes...
Based on my experience, chat rooms not always helps, some times there are misunderstandings about symbols, abbreviations. Whatsupp or text groups sometimes people get bored.
One team member one day requested me " can I leave the group, because don't have any interest about if the others have pets or kids", then (Lesson learned) not all team share same interests.
As human, we are competitive, and teams are...then my suggestion VISUAL TRIVIAL. Easy and Cheap. Saving Changes...
