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Workplace Conflict Resolution: 10 ways to manage employee conflict and improve office communication, the workplace environment and team productivity

Any team-building exercises for small groups?

Alice Bumgarner, Moderator

Alice Bumgarner, editor of Administrative Professional Today and contributing writer for Executive Leadership, has been writing about workplace and family issues for 13 years. Her articles have appeared in dozens of publications, including http://Salon.com, http://MSN.com, Continental magazine, Southern Living and Town & Country. She lives in Durham, N.C., with her husband, two daughters and dog Milo.

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Question: “I’m looking for suggestions for outside team-building exercises for a small group of three employees. All exercises seem to be for larger teams. Our company budgets $150 per quarter for such events. Thanks.” – Susan

Comments

Team building is a great exercise whether it is for a group of 3 or 33!
For a small group it doesn't necessarily need to be something super structured. The time spent together away from the office will help them bond so think of things the 3 people would enjoy doing together. Consider a cooking class, bowling, and miniature golf. Also see if your community has a design your own pottery or artwork place and have them design and paint something for the office.
Another thing to consider is having them all work a volunteer event together.
Good luck!

Posted by: Lisa | August 31, 2007 at 01:48 PM

I concur with Lisa. no need to spend a fortune on team building, look around for a community run, for a good cause.
Whatever you do, don't make it too competitive. Make sure your people, should they win something, it will be as a team and not individual. For the community run for example make them all wear a t-shirt with a logo and have them run as a team.
One last thought, if there is anybody in need in your community, fixing a porch, repainting a room or something similar, go it together.
Have fun!
Emeric

Posted by: | August 31, 2007 at 04:23 PM

I am actually planning something for about 8 of our employees and was thinking about a dinner and comedy club. Something different and I think they will enjoy themselves.

Posted by: Debi | September 04, 2007 at 03:42 PM

A volunteer event would provide team building in addition to providing a worthwhile service. For such a small group, how about contacting Ronald McDonald House to see what is needed? Usually they welcome food being brought in for the families and, at times, served by the volunteers.
Good Luck to you and your group! Judy

Posted by: Judy Long | September 04, 2007 at 06:38 PM

I agree with the volunteer activities. We are encouraging employees to give blood. When they give blood, they get into a drawing for time off work. A group of employees have formed a group that all go to give blood together...having a great time together while they wait in line. There are always things around the community that could use a few hands!

Our latest teambuilding activity is going to coincide with a community event going on. The goal is for the community to walk 50,000 miles by the end of the year. We are going to provide pedometers to employees and gather their steps to contribute to the tally. You could do a similar thing by challenging some other companies in your area to "beat your miles". Use a miles/person calculation to balance the playing field. Could be fun AND would develop beneficial relationships with other companies in your community.

Julie

Posted by: Julie | September 07, 2007 at 04:18 PM

I'm taking a group of 25 on a Cruise to Nowhere for 2 days. In the past, we have "Pig Out Days" where we have all the food you can eat. Also, we have a relaxed luncheon monthly at a seafood restaurant. All of these events build team spirit.

Posted by: DRM | September 08, 2007 at 10:48 PM

Two years ago we had a team building event at an amusement park. We did a photo scavenger hunt! The dept. was divided into teams, each team was given a disposable camera and a list of items to find and take a photo of the team with the items. It was so much fun! The second half of the day people had to themselves in the park. I developed the photos and posted them on the wall. There were prizes for the most creative, funniest, etc.
They still talk about it!

Posted by: TJF | May 23, 2008 at 01:44 PM

Workplace Conflict Resolution: 10 ways to manage employee conflict and improve office communication, the workplace environment and team productivity