I am an introvert. I don’t get excited about small talk, networking or attending social functions. In fact, I force myself to do these things just to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have attended interstate conferences on my own, delivered presentations at conferences, attended networking events in place of colleagues who could not attend, and dine in a restaurant alone. And it can be anxiety inducing.
But I have also learned to explore new cities by going for a run at 6am. I have felt comfortable eating alone as I enjoy a glass of wine and have a book ready just in case. Presentations; they gave me a purpose to attending conferences. Networking events, still not my forte, but I can do it if I have to, not that I want to.
I became comfortable with me.
So why on earth would I start a Team Building business? I used to cringe, roll my eyes and be ‘too busy’ whenever the words Team Building were mentioned. Just the thought of a team building activity filled me with dread.
Since the idea of TeamLab came about I have spent a lot of time reflecting on this. The research was telling me how valuable it was, so I decided to put my energy into getting team building right. For both the extroverts and introverts.
Here is what I have learned and implemented into the TeamLab standards.
· Ensure that regardless of the activity, team members have the choice to get out of their comfort zone.
· Recognise that everyone is different. While some get super excited, others do not. Acknowledge this. Whatever approaches you take to promoting and talking about the coming event must consider every reaction. Focusing only on people who get excited leaves out and induces anxiety in those who are not keen. Communication must be tailored to everyone who will be participating.
· Make sure there is a variety of ‘roles’ within each activity so each person can either challenge themselves or work on their strengths. After all, team building is about understanding the strengths of each of your team members, as well as getting to know them and yourself.
· Fear of the unknown is real. Tell people they are going team building and anxiety increases. Let them know what it is about and what is required, then the anxiety is managed. It is tempting to keep it a secret and a surprise, but this does not work for everyone.
· Team building should include pre and post event information. When is it and how can I prepare? What types of things will I be doing? What is the purpose?
After the event it is just as important to follow up on the event to ensure that the actual reason for it is recognised. Ensuring the learnings from the team building day continue when staff are back at the office.
Team Building is designed to be fun, adventurous, memorable and light hearted. Allowing colleagues to connect with each other increases employee engagement, innovation, creativity and cohesion. If you would like help organising your team building event just let me know. Even if you are an introvert.
