As a small-business owner you have a small team that carries your company on its shoulders. When there is an internal dispute among employees it can affect everyone in the workplace. However, team building activities can help employees work out their differences both inside and outside the work place. Here are some outdoor team building activities to try:
Activities for Everyone
When you consider team activities, keep all of your employees in mind. Pick activities everyone can participate in. While a hike may be a lot of fun for those accustomed to strenuous physical activity, it might exclude those who aren’t athletic or conditioned enough for the trek. If you do pick an activity like this, make sure it is optional and that those who don’t attend do not feel left out by offering other events that they can participate in at other times.
When you present these activities, make sure your employees feel as though they can come to you with concerns or questions they might have. Before anyone participates, also ensure they have the proper equipment such as polarized sunglasses and sturdy boots.
Building a Boat
This might sound like a parable, but it’s not. When your employees solve problems together outside the workspace, they’ll be more creative and productive while at work. However, for such an intense activity, you should hire a professional team builder specialist for safety and logistics. This activity is perfect for summer weather and can be done as a mid-project boost or a creative retreat. With this type of team building, your employees will need all their ingenuity if they want a craft that stays afloat. Make sure you stage this activity near calm water as well.
Cook-Off
Not all team events should be problems that must be solved. Instead, stage a cook-off of a favorite food. Whether it’s chili, burgers or something else, all of your employees can get behind a nice day of good food and drinks. This event gives employees a chance to bond over non-work related topics. You can add some competition to this event with a trophy presentation. If you get people in the habit of having a healthy rivalry, you will see this on the job as well.
Ropes Course
This classic team building activity can be accomplished with a professional, a ropes course and safety equipment. Rope courses promote trust, encouragement among team members and out-of-the-box thinking. Most rope courses can tailor your team’s experience to work on certain principals. This way you can speak with your employees about where they feel they can improve and what they can learn from such an activity. When you choose a ropes course, make sure you find one that focuses on a low tier as well as high. The low sections of a ropes course should focus on collective problem solving and teamwork, while the high rise ropes course sections should focus on encouragement, support and trust.
