High performing teams

This past Friday, I had the privilege of facilitating a teambuilding event with a work team as a part of their summertime picnic. Spending just three hours with them reminded me that, in my experience, the highest performing teams know the value of teambuilding and reach out to outside people to help them come together even more as a group and reach even higher as a team. This team ROCKED! They were so on top of things and appreciative of the experience!

Here are some of the qualities I had the privilege of observing as they worked through various group problem-solving challenges:

Focus
Clear Communication
Willingness to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable
Willingness to listen to and try new ideas
Taking responsibility for one's own actions
Asking for what you need
Having fun
Being invested in the outcome and "all on the same page"

It's great when groups come in to teambuilding with this high of a skill level. However, many teams need help and support to get there. Being willing to reach out for support and open the team up to outside facilitation can be scarey and one can wonder whether the investment will be worth it. But from my experience, I can tell you that taking the time to build your team and invest in each team member is well worth the time, money and effort.

I love to work with teams of all ages - from middle school to corporate teams - to help them reach that next level of improved communication, awareness and utilization of the resources each individual brings to the group, improved systems and procedures for getting things done and...yes, this is important, to celebrate the pure joy of being together! People learn to appreciate one another in new ways, break down perceived barriers to communication, and enjoy a warm and collaborative work atmosphere.