The Five Stages of Team Development

With Spring just around the corner, team building is on the minds of not-for-profit organisations and comoanies alike. With financial forecasters suggesting a slow but steady economic rebound, many now realize that the days of conspicuous spending are over, and the need for reigning in costs is more important than ever.

So if a budget/cheap team building event is on the horizon, here are a few ways you can cut costs without giving up the benefits.....

Hold your event either on-site or off-site at a local park

The group should not have to travel too far to get to the venue, and the venue should not cost an arm and a leg before you have even booked a facilitator. You may need to get permission but some local parks allow small groups to meet and run activities.

Focus on activities first and decorations last

Although presentation is important, it is the activities that should have meaning in the end. If you really want to "do it all," you could have a "banner-creating" activity as part of the program.

Be realistic about your team building goals

Are you looking for a stand-alone event that will raise morale and enhance team spirit, or do you need something a little more focused, with specific goals and outcomes? If the focus is fun, try setting up a station-to-station rotational event. You can write instructions for 'how-to' complete each activity and then make it a timed-competition or give the activities a theme. Friendly competition will foster a sense of camaraderie that can improve morale and enhance productivity at the same time.

Potluck instead of catering

Nothing says team like a meal that was put together by the members of your group. Another great activity could be cooking the meal together.

Combine your budget team building event with another activity

Maybe you just can't afford to go off-site and you prefer to have something brought to your location as part of a strategic planning session, or other meeting. Facilitated team building can provide a quick energiser for your team, and then you can "get back to work." If you need to keep it quick and simple get in contact with a local team building provider and have a short, energising, facilitated team building program brought to a conference room near you.

Article written by Christophe - www.personalchefdc.com.