Black Entrepreneur's Journal - Issue 3

The Importance of Team Building: Cliche vs The Real Deal

By Denise Ledi

Team building is a critical factor for success, however many leaders fail to make it a priority.

There may be perceived disadvantages to team building as well. Let’s face it, most of us know the pain of having to attend a team building exercise you have ZERO interest in; some consider it to be a time and money waster; others still, view the experience as a one and done activity. It could be that you believe team building and associated activities are ‘fluffy’ concepts that have no place in business. Whatever the concerns are, they’re real and should be fully considered and addressed because team building is one of the most important investments a leader can make in their leadership acumen, their organization, and in their greatest asset, the people.

Team building is a process focused on people working together towards a common goal; It adds deeper value to the organization’s purpose. It creates strong ties between group members through different kinds of activ ities and events, with the objective of making a unified team out of a group of people. The most memorable team building activity I’ve participated in didn’t feel like another exercise and or tokenism. Years ago, our team went to an outdoor adventure park and I spent the day biking, canoeing, and hiking. It wasn’t the fact that we were away from the office doing something atypical that stood out for me. It also wasn’t the absence of explicit strategy sessions or facilitated leadership development conversations that made this stand out. It was that we learned and gained more of an understanding about one another while biking, hiking and paddling together than any meeting, training, or after hour drinks ever afforded.

We bonded as our authentic selves vs personas. This left the indelible effect of creating community, fellowship and unity and performing at levels we never thought possible.

I look back to that experience and that group of people with appreciation, fondness and gratitude for the lessons learned.

Benefits of Team Building

Leadership Development

Creativity & Improved Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution Having Fun

Increased Trust

Communication & Collaboration Enhanced Employee Engagement Increased

Innovation Developing High-Performance Teams

Here are 4 key lessons from my experience that are transferable across circumstances that I trust you will find useful to help you along your team building journey. Investing in team building:

1. It is about creating space for people to build authentic connections. Regardless of the who, what, when, where, and how you choose to do it.

2. Lends to greater employee satisfaction. By giving back individually and collectively, leaders that prioritize team-building are investing in the happiness of each of their employees. While the initial investment requires time and money, the long-term payout is an engaged, productive, and motivated workforce that values their work, and colleagues. Numerous studies verify that employees who feel appreciated and valued have greater commitment, increased motivation, and demonstrate higher degrees of innovation. Employee satisfaction is inextricably linked to business profitability and success.

3. Team building contributes to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This happens by creating teams that have the awareness and willingness to accept, support and value differences. They are respectful, fair and create a sense of belonging.

4. Promotes good mental health and wellbeing. Team building and good mental health are complimentary; and inextricably linked to business productivity and success.