Sample of a generic Team Development Programme.

Many people call me to ask what the difference is between "teambuilding" and "team development". The answer is simple and straight-forward. Teambuilding is activity and fun focused, whereas team development focuses on processing and ensuring that teams leave with definite goals and values coupled to actions.

 

Here is a sample of a typical 2 day team development programme.

 

DAY #1:  

 

07H30             Breakfast

08H30             Welcome, Introductions, Objectives Clarification.  Full Value Contract.

The Full Value Contract (FVC) is a verbal agreement between all members of the team / participants that ensures full participation, open sharing, acceptance of the boundaries within which the programme will take place, as well as acceptance of the facilitators. This forms the foundation for learning, sharing and participation and also creates an emotional “safety net” allowing delegates to experiment with new ideas and original behaviours during the activities in order to find the team’s optimal working methods.

 

09H30             Team Discussion:   Setting Objectives / The Business of People / Success / Attitude and Mind Power.

10H00             Morning Tea / Coffee.

10H30             Continue Mind Power Session.

                        Introduction to Self and Team Behaviour.

12H00             Lunch

13H00             Behaviour Modules

14H00             Behaviour Profiles

15H00             Afternoon Tea / Coffee.

15H30             Outdoor Team Activity (Traffic Jam) Introduction to “The Playbook”.

 

“The Playbook” is a team conept borrowed from the world of professional sport. Top teams have a selection of strategies and “plays” used to deal with particular circumstances. Through the experiential exercises, we’ll help the team develop their specific playbook of solutions to tough, everyday situations.

 

16H30             Wrap up for the Day.

18H30             Dinner followed by time at Leisure.

DAY #2:   

 

07H30             Breakfast

08H30             Start in Meeting room. Recap from yesterday.

08H45             Breakers and Warm-up

 

These initial activities serve not only as warm-ups to get the blood pumping a little faster, but they are also vital in breaking down personal barriers by allowing people to experience the joy of play. The games create an even playing field by removing position, title and seniority therefore encourage open and honest feedback later in the process. These opening activities also aim to create a non-threatening environment, allowing people to be more receptive to the learning aspects of the activities to follow.

 

Do you like your neighbour?

                        Walk Tag

                        Hospital Tag

                        Hug Tag

                        Toilet Tag

                        Warp Speed

With this task we introduce the group to the elements of competition and problem-solving in a fun environment.  Only near the end of the activity do the “lessons” become apparent.  We address planning, communication, anticipation, time management, dealing with contingencies, fun, fast paced.

 

Trust Sequence and Debrief 

                        Two-person trust

                        Three-person trust

                        Rat Trap trust

10H30             Morning Tea / Coffee Break

11H00             Outdoor Team Tasks 

Conti Tire Shuffle  This is a good activity to use early on to get delegates talking and working together as a team, what it takes, and how it feels to be connected in such a way that your actions affect how others perform. It requires close communication, planning and co-ordination to complete this task timeously. It also requires that teams look beyond their silos in order to get things done.

 

Helium Hoola  Inevitably this task gets the group to perform the “impossible”.  The task shows how perception influences our effectiveness, how focus is imperative to success, and how, without clear communication we do the exact opposite from what is expected.

  

Corporate Connexion   All the learning potential from this task will fill this page – and more.  The group needs to understand dedicated role clarity, the importance of everyone in the team, the role of skill in each “department”, effective planning, efficient handling of errors and setbacks, learning from their mistakes, the role of probability, the role of strategic thinking, and effective use of resources.  At the end of the task though, it’s all about who can get more balls in the right buckets.

                                                           

13H00             Lunch.

 

14H00             Conference Room:  Wrap up learnings, Finalise “Playbook” and cement Team Behaviour Guidelines.

 

15H00             Delegates depart.