Page 179 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

162 Chapter 6

Teambuilding
Sometimes a group needs something out of the ordinary to help it develop or improve
Teambuilding its cohesiveness. Teambuilding refers to any planned program of activities designed to
A set of planned enhance teamwork, increase cohesiveness, or improve a group’s performance in some
activities designed to way: improving decision making, handling conflict, increasing creativity, improving
increase teamwork, communication skills, and many other group throughput processes. Often, teambuild-
cohesiveness, or ing activities occur during retreats that take groups out of their normal settings and
other aspects of encourage them to focus on the teambuilding topic.
group performance. The best teambuilding programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each
specific group. Tony DiCicco, coach of the U.S. women’s soccer team, customized a
90
program especially for the team. He discovered that women respond well to chal-
lenges but poorly to chastisement. So, for example, he showed them videos “catching
them being good” rather than replays of mistakes. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ puzzle
was another example of an activity tailored for a specific group. Other common
strategies are used in teambuilding sessions (see Table 6.4).
Teambuilding activities can be effective and lasting. A recent analysis of 20 team-
building studies confirmed that teambuilding improves team outcomes, particularly
91
goal setting, interpersonal relationships, problem solving, and role clarification. Of
these, focusing on goal setting and role clarification had the largest effect, with large
teams particularly benefited. Another study of the effects of a specific three-day
retreat for department leaders found that team improvements still held three years
later. 92

TABLE 6.4
Guidelines for A teambuilding session may be planned by a group’s leader (see Chapter 8), one
teambuilding of the members, a subgroup within the group, or an outside consultant or facilitator.
sessions The following are suggestions for teambuilding planners. 93
1. Define the purpose of the teambuilding activity. The observation and
evaluation tools in Chapter 12 can help you pinpoint key areas to address that
meet the needs of the group.
2. Take the group out of its usual setting for the teambuilding activities. This
will enhance concentration on the teambuilding activities and decrease
distractions.
3. Teambuilding sessions must be planned with clear objectives to give the
process focus, yet flexible enough to allow adaptation to the teambuilding
process as it unfolds.
4. Help the group members appreciate the strength in their own diversity.
Often, group members who work with each other day in and day out can lose
sight of the fact that their differences can be beneficial to the group rather than
frustrating.
5. Stay tuned to the importance of blending work and meaningful ritual. The
richness of a group’s culture is reflected in its rituals, celebrations, and other
symbolic activities that serve to coordinate a strong identity.

gal37018_ch06_135_168.indd 162 3/28/18 12:36 PM