Introduction to Team Building

​​​Introduction

Team building is a continual process that assists a work group in evolving into a cohesive team unit. The members of the team share not only expectations for accomplishing tasks as a group but also learn to support and trust one another and respect individual differences in one another.

A team can take on a decided life of its own and the goal of a team builder is to maintain and nurture that team on a regular basis, much in the same way that individual employees would be nurtured and supported.

Good team building skills makes it possible to unite employees around a common, central goal and also to generate improved productivity.

Let’s get started!

​Chapter 1

Principles of Team Building

Why is Team Building Important?

Team building can sometimes be given a low priority because they do not consider the many advantages and benefits that can come about from a team effort that is well executed.

The benefits of team building can include:

  Goals that are realistic and achievable for both the team and the individual members of the team.

  Leaders and employees are able to commit to supporting one another for the team.

  Team members are able to understand priorities and support when another when needed.

  Communication remains open, allowing for the expression of new ideas, articulation of problems and improved work methods.

  More effective problem solving

  Increased meaning to performance feedback as team members learn what is expected and are able to monitor their own performance against those expectations.

  Conflict is understood as an opportunity to resolve problems through open discussion.

  Members are encouraged to try out new ideas.

  Team members learn to work more effectively as a team unit.

  Good communication between team members and individuals

  Increased creativity and productivity

  Motivation of team members to achieve goals

  A climate of collaborative problem solving and cooperation

  Increased levels of commitment and job satisfaction

  Improved levels of support and trust

  Diverse co-workers working well together

  Establishment of clear work objectives

  Improved operating procedures and policies

Do you Need Team Building?

How do you know if your team is in need of team building? One thing to keep in mind is that most teams can always benefit from team building, but the following symptoms could signal that your team has a more immediate need for team building:

  Decreased productivity

  Hostility or conflicts among staff members

  Confusion about relationships, assignments, etc.

  Lack of involvement or apathy

  Decisions not