TEAM BUILDING

Team Building



Team Building

Introduction

Conflicts in organizations are inevitable because people come from different backgrounds. They have individual ideas, goals, thoughts and visions. Their attitude to problem solving is different from each other. If the problems and conflicts are handled properly, conflict can turn into a creative solution that may produce positive outcomes.

Importance of Team Building Exercises

The team building exercises build confidence, trust, rapport and respect to each other. They train the individuals about conflict resolution strategies to help dealing with the potential workplace conflicts. The following is the detail of one of the remarkable team building exercises. This exercise is helpful in strengthening problem-solving skills, bridging communication gaps and encouraging respect and appreciation (Runde, 2010).

The Hidden Agenda Exercise

The hidden agenda exercise focuses on improving the communication skills. It is a role playing activity. The person in each group is assigned cards where they are given specific roles. A particular label is written on each card defining the roles. The team members read the cards silently then tuck them away. Next, the group is given a project to do for instance, building a house of cards or drawing an office scene. The group members than participate in the activity according to their roles mentioned in the cards. It is better to debrief the exercise about the roles in real life situations (Chism, 2011).

Conducting the Exercise

Step 1- the groups sit in a circle facing each other. The facilitator should ask the members about the roles they do not want to play. By doing so, people will not have to create emotional blocks, and they will participate openly.

Step 3- The members get the cards, where their roles are mentioned.

Step4- one of the members is assigned the position of a leader. The purpose is to have the groups start off with the activity and to get facilitated.

Step5- A theme of the play is given to the groups. Based on which the groups will perform their role plays (Bordessa, 2005).

Step 6- the members in each group is asked to read the cards and prepare them for the role-play. A 20 to 25 minutes preparatory time is given

Step7- The members display the roles. The facilitator should keep motivating their efforts and keeps guiding them regarding their behavior.

Step 8- In the end, the debriefing session begins. The observer or facilitator asks questions about the displayed roles. The questions may include: how was the role familiar to ...