TEAMBUILDING ISn't always easy

Henry Ford once said ​“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”  I would suggest that he is absolutely right and it is a beautiful moment when one observes a team working together in a fully functioning way. 

Regretfully, we all know that this is not always the reality in a business for many reasons such as unclear direction, limited support, poor organisation.  As well as isolation, disconnection, bullying and power struggles.  And on an individual level, poor self esteem, imposter syndrome, anxiety and lethargy.

Quite often the logical solution for the business is clear as day to the outsider and also those in the business often know what needs to happen, yet these human problems and issues prevent what needs to happen from actually happening.

So what's the solution.  -IMHO, I would suggest that the first step is complete acceptance that these issues are all very human and extremely common in many companies.  For as long as we see each other as separate, different and we are in a competitive environment, there will always be conflict.   

Secondly, I would look at the structure and leadership of the company.  Are the goals clear and well communicated?  Is there good organisation and feedback?  What is the level of tolerance to poor behaviours and how are poor behaviours dealt with.  These kind of actions will at least help everybody to pull in the same direction.

Thirdly, I would find a way to bring people together in a different environment, where they can have some fun together and see each other in a different light.  Very often the problems arise because of false stories that people make up about each other.  If these can be gently surfaced and released and whole new lease of energy and engagement can arise.

Building a team is an ongoing and ever changing process.  If you're a leader focusing on and facing up to the human issues, you will be 99% more successful than most.  And as you will know, it isn't always easy.

At Meon Springs, we offer the opportunity to bring teams together for meetings and other activities that help build teams.  Our environment is quite unique and not necessarily 100% comfortable.  Our meeting room is in an 18th Century barn, which is spacious and quite airy.  Many of our corporate activities (fishing, shooting, bushcraft, axe throwing, archery) are mainly outside, which can be challenging for some, particularly if the weather is inclement. 

Interestingly, what we often find is that the more inclement the weather the stronger the team comes together and the more memorable the day.

We do also offer indoor options such as art courses and wellbeing sessions like yoga.  This gives helps teams develop their creative abilities and learn how to relax and be comfortable in each other's company.  

One of the best activities we offer is the Team Camp or Yurting Experience.  This is where the whole team come and stay in our Yurt Village for 24 hours.  On the first day, they might have a meeting and do some teambuilding activities after which they have an evening of campfires, barbecues and fun.   The shared accommodation might not feel comfortable at first - however by the end of the experience, this has generally been overcome and many close friendships have been developed. ​