Jenga for Teams!

Are you really after a team building event?


I recently facilitated a team development event and found myself encouraging the teams manager not to use the word 'team building' to describe it.
For me the idea of 'team building' events don't really address the challenges in most teams, and in this instance the 'building' idea wasn't really stretching enough for them as they were already built! I suddenly found myself having to explain, whereas before I'd just avoided the term. Thinking on my feet, here's how I made distinction between team building and bonding - and what I envisioned for them:

Team building I described this as a bit like Jenga: All the pieces are the same which allows them to fit neatly. The pieces themselves are useful but people rarely use them for anything other than their exact purpose... It's built up for sure but then every time a piece is pulled there's the risk, and expectation, it'll all fall down. The aim becomes coping with the holes and not wanting to be the one to bring it down! Sure, it can be fun - but is this what we really want from/for our teams?

Team bonding... Is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. It can be a struggle to complete when you don't have the box telling you what the picture is to start with. Also it's great when you have all the pieces and they fit together but, remove a bit and the picture annoyingly just isn't complete. And like Jenga, having to fit pieces in doesn't really leave much room for creativity. Sure it can all be glued down, but then you're finished!

Team bridging: For me truly functional, ever developing teams are more like a series of independent Islands connected by a series of bridges: it's more about allowing each thing to stand alone (so that strengths and talents are recognised as unique) but that these - individuals - are connected. Bridges are usually built to be sound structures so that whatever flows beneath them, be it rough or still, things remain strong. 

So that's what we did on the day. We bridged, and it seemed to be one if the lessons that resonated the most. What are your thoughts on Build, Bond and Bridge?

Lessons from Lizzie!

Well done to Lizzie Armistead who yesterday won Team GB's first Olympic 2012 medal, earning silver in the women's road race. 

We often learn through things that don't go well, but we should also learn from, as well as celebrate, sporting success. Here's what I'll take from Lizzie - (aside from the obvious being good and working hard!):

• Scenario: Lizzie (and the women's team in general) were not the headliners - the men's team were.
• Lesson: Success does not always come where you expect it, so look at talent all around and don't be too concerned with being the 'favourite'

• Scenario: We were meant to get gold for the men's road race. This sadly didn't happen due, apparently, to the tactics of others and a lack of plan B.
• Lesson: Learn from what happens to others, and have a plan B 

• Scenario: Lizzie took the initiative to break away from the team
• Lesson: Timing is critical. Trust your instints

• Scenario: Lizzie was originally a track star, but chose to concentrate on the road rather than the track for this Olympics
• Lesson: Don't limit your options too much, too soon; but know when to streamline and focus

• Scenario: When the eventual winner, Marianne Vos, went for it... so did Lizzie
• Lesson: Stick to your own game, but don't let the competition out of your sight!

• Scenario: Lizzie played a key role in helping Nicole Cooke win gold at the 2008 Road World Championships as part of the team
• Lesson: Be a good team player, and your time to shine will come

• Scenario: Lizzie apparently took up cycling relatively late, only taking up the sport 8 years ago.
• Lesson: It's not when you start, it's where you finish!

Here's what business should take in addition to the above:

• Scenario: Lizzie was spotted through a talent identification scheme
• Lesson: Introduce one of these, spot and support talent, reap the rewards (obviously)!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/athletes/dd0770e0-c266-11e0-962b-0800200c9a66