TEAM BUILDING
munity while reaffirming its bonds, by taking part in an environmentally-friendly activity. Helping to preserve the forest by clearing areas that
have been overrun with rhododendron is one of the new green teambuilding activities under the guidance of a forest ranger. At the end of a hard but satisfying day’s work participants can toast marshmallows or bake pota- toes on a bonfire made from branches harvested that day. The activities are available for teams of eight to 12 and
are free of charge unless groups need to hire a minibus to transport team members to projects further afield. Contact: 01342 824988;
www.ashdownpark.com
Music to the ears Ensure your colleagues are all drumming along to the same beat with a gamelan workshop at London’s Southbank Centre. This traditional Javanese percussion instrument consists of bells, gongs and drums and takes real teamwork to master. Advisor Sophie Ransby commented: “The gamelan is visually stunning, and its resonance can generate a feel- ing of calm and well-being. Learning to play the instrument offers a chance for people to make music together regardless of previous musical experience or ability. Playing the instruments can inspire self-confi- dence, help co-ordination and listening skills and encourage interaction, mutual respect and communica- tion through teambuilding.” Two-hour courses are running on Tuesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 10.30am and 2pm, and cost £150 per course. Introductory workshops can accommodate groups of up to 20. Contact: 020 7921 0979;
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Top five tips for planning a teambuilding course
ing course yourself then everything needs to be planned and you need to have all the correct equipment and facilities in place.
1
Having an open mind is important for all those taking part in teambuilding, as it will allow participants to enjoy something that they might never have imagined doing.
2
what to expect, that they are enthusias- tic and are dressed appropriately. Give them an opportunity beforehand to raise any concerns.
3
GIVE A THOROUGH BRIEFING Make sure all participants know
OPEN YOUR MIND PLAN AHEAD If you are organising the teambuild- 4 5
DEVISE A CONTINGENCY PLAN Well before the event try to second
guess any factors that may affect your teams’ success and enjoyment of the event. It could be bad weather, absence through sickness, or the influence of a known spoil sport. On the day be vigi- lant and try to ensure that everyone is getting the most out of it.
REMEMBER TO MAKE IT FUN
Aside from the business benefits of team building, delegates are also there to enjoy themselves and break down the barriers that may exist in the workplace. Encourage everyone to have a go and be sure to be positive in any appraisal afterwards.
Let’s get physical In the more traditional vein of teambuilding activities, Center Parcs has launched a Challenge Package designed to test skills, determination and nerve in a three-event compe- tition. Firstly, small teams will compete against each other in the Rope Works challenge where they have to carry a container of liquid around a course without spilling it. Then contestants Race To Be The Best. Here the
teams have to visit several grid references around the vil- lage and at each one complete a challenge before they can move on. Key team decisions will have to be made along the way.
In the Combat Adventure, teams will sneak around the battlefield armed with laser guns. There will be a number of adventures to compete in, including attack and defend, medic and survival of the fittest. Ian Linley, Head of Corporate Sales said: “We are constantly devel- oping our team building offering so that participants experience something unique every time they attend a Center Parcs’ location. This package involves a variety of on-site facilities and encourages good communication and a strong competitive element.” Prices start from £75 per person and can be booked
for groups from eight to 60 delegates. Contact: 08448 267715;
www.centerparcs.co.uk/meetings
Kitchen science London’s Science Museum offers a range of quirky team- building workshops, one of which challenges delegates to conduct experiments using regular, run-of-the-mill household items. The group will be divided into teams to learn how to launch mini-rockets, make water vanish or make a kaleidoscope of colours in milk and more. The one-hour course promises “to inject a dose of fun to the mix for the perfect teambuilding formula” and is something slightly unusual to inspire the team. It costs £1,250 plus VAT. Contact: 020 7942 4308;
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk E
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