A corporate team is different from any other team, as the team is large and highly educated. These people are often prepared to work hard and do what it takes to get the job done, but what happens when the team falls off track? Having a great team is much like having a great marriage or education; it takes hard work and constant upkeep. If you want your team to thrive and provide great work for you and your corporation, you will have to give a little something back.
The team building exercises that are done with corporations are usually intense, and can be full weekend retreats. This is not only because the budget is larger than most other companies, but the need is greater. Much is expected from the team, and much will have to be taught. The following are some exercises that corporations may benefit from trying. These activities are based on team work and a will to get a job done the right way.
People platform: Participants may only touch the ground on the outside of the outer square and the inside of the inner square as they complete the task. The area in between the squares is off-limits. The entire group must participate. They may not stand or sit on each other's shoulders; everyone must be touching the ground. The objective is to have everyone on the inner square without touching outside of it. After the group creatively attempts this exercise, they must hold everyone off the ground for 10 seconds (the time it takes to sing "row, row, and row your boat...") An inner 2' x 2' and outer 6' x 6' tape outline of a square should be arranged prior to the exercise. Facilitators should take great care in ensuring participant safety throughout this exercise. Variations: If the group is slow to actively attempt the exercise, after a few minutes, announce a time limit by which they must finish. If a participant touches the area between the squares, tell them that they may no longer use that body part. If one member dominates the group, take away his/her ability to speak.
Processing Questions:
What were some of the challenges in completing this activity?
How did you overcome them?
What similarities do you find between this activity and your house operations?
What did this activity demonstrate to you about leadership?
Yurt Circle: The group forms a circle facing each other and counts off by two. You must have an even number of participants for this exercise. Individuals with shoulder and/or arm problems should not participate in this activity for their own safety. Members grasp hands in the circle. Make sure that height and weight of participants is evenly distributed around the circle. Instruct the group to simultaneously lean in the opposite direction while supporting each other. This means that the 1's lean forward and the 2's lean backward. Lean gradually, not all at once. Do it again. Change directions. Do it with eyes closed. Variations: Do it silently. Face outward and work through the process.
Processing Questions:
Was anyone tentative at the beginning of this exercise?
How did it feel to be reliant on others for support?
What would have happened if only one person let go? How does this relate to working in teams?
How is this exercise representative of our houses?
How can we develop more trust in our group?
These are only a few ideas of team building for corporations. When you are working with a large team it is always important that no person gets left behind. Include everyone, and everyone will learn from the activity.
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