Team Building

Organizations are experiencing “mobile” work environments that make it more difficult for management and professionals to personally connect with each other. As a result, it has become more challenging for teams to function effectively. 

LMC addresses the issue using a structured process involving a situation-based  appropriate assessment instrument. The test results become the centre piece that allows participants to appreciate the behaviours and values of each team member and how to function within their work environment. The session acts as a catalyst to solidify the team and position the group for future challenges.

Participants are usually asked to complete the assessment instrument in advance in order to give the workshop facilitator an opportunity to set up the groupings and determine the activies most suited to the team members’ needs and preferences.

Activities that create trust among team members and a better understanding of others are used in team building sessions. The initial perception of “fun activities” quickly evolves into meaningful discussion of the complications for the team and how they need to operate as an effective group. 

There are usually four phases to the team building session. However, if the Birkman is used as the assessment instrument, due to the richness of information that is presented, there needs to be one-on-one sessions with each participant to review the content of their individual report.

Phase 1:  After a brief introduction that covers the goals, objectives and expectations of the session participants are given the opportunity to go over their assessment instrument report and understand how they are different from the other team members.

Phase 2:  The participants, in one or more groups, are given a number of tasks to complete that will bring out the individual members’ unique behaviours and preferences in doing things.

Phase 3:  The facilitator conducts a debriefing session where links are made in a lighthearted fashion between observed behaviours and the personality preferences of individual members as identified by the assessment instruments.

Phase 4:  In a group discussion participants analyze the different challenges their team faced during the completion of the assigned tasks and how their individual behaviours and preferences helped or hindered the process. Each participant is then asked to identify and share with the group one behavior that they can change in order to make the team operate more effectively in the work place.