They say that teamwork makes the dream work, and this couldn’t be more true than in small businesses. In startups and small companies, a small team of employees usually wear multiple hats, working closely to reach common goals.

Thus, it’s vital for small businesses to take team building seriously and make it a regular part of their operations. When teams work well together, the chances of hitting goals faster, expanding the business, and growing the bottom line are much higher. 

In this article, we will explore five tips for strong teams and provide inclusive, cost-effective, easily accessible, fun-to-do team-building ideas that small businesses can implement.

5 Tips As Requested

Tip #1:  Communication is Key

Communication is essential for building strong teams. Encourage your employees to collaborate, share ideas, and work towards a shared goal. 

Organize team-building exercises like Game Days, where your employees can participate in unique activities that challenge them both mentally and physically. For instance, set up Scavenger hunts around your workspace and break your employees into teams to compete against one another. It is an excellent way to foster communication, boost morale, and create a unity bond among team members. You can allow introverted employees to work with partners while extroverted employees may work in groups of 4-5. 

Another fun and cost-effective exercise is “Interview with a friend,” During their lunch breaks, let teammates take turns interviewing one another for five to ten minutes. It will allow them to discover their common interests and learn more about their colleagues. It can create an environment of openness and transparency and help them build stronger professional relationships.

You can take this even further by creating Personal Playbooks or Personal User Manuals. These would include a short profile of each team member showcasing accomplishments, work history, strengths, communication and learning preferences, interests, inspirations, and aspirations. Such an effort can help them create an even deeper bond with one another and improve communication.

Visit our Padlet for more info on Janifer’s process. 

Tip #2: Encourage Creativity

Creative activities help build strong and innovative teams. Encourage your employees to think outside the box by offering an abstract art class, a creative writing course, or even scrapbooking workshops. 

You can also encourage creativity by incorporating Genius Hour, time set aside each week for employees to explore and develop their own ideas. This will help foster collaboration and give them the opportunity to express themselves in an atmosphere of openness and support.

Another activity to encourage creativity might be an online book club. Select a book, or let your team vote, and schedule regular virtual meetings to discuss it. It offers an opportunity for team members to share their thoughts on different ideas outside their work roles, enabling them to connect on a personal level.

In this digital era, it is vital to have employees who can think creatively and develop original ideas. Activities like these exercise your team members’ creativity and provide an opportunity for them to bond with other members outside of their work environment.

Tip #3:  Give Back to Your Community

Volunteering for a cause has numerous benefits. It helps your team bond while giving back to your community. Choose a nonprofit or charity organization that aligns with your business’s values, like environmental protection, social justice, or homelessness. Volunteer for a day or arrange a fundraising event for the organization and get your employees excited about the cause. It can serve as an opportunity for your team to work together for something other than their business, fostering teamwork with a sense of purpose.

Another activity you facilitate is the “Adopt a Grandparent” initiative. Contact your local nursing home and connect with older adults who reside there. Encourage your team to initiate interaction with them using technology like Zoom or Skype. Employees can engage with older adults once every week, listening to their experiences and showing them kindness and care. The initiative helps create meaningful human connections for your team members while improving the lives of other people.

Getting involved in social causes is essential if you want to attract & retain Gen-Z employees. This aligns with their values and will become a valuable commitment for your organization.

Tip#4:  MORE JOY! Have Some Fun, Y’all

Everyone enjoys an entertaining activity. Keep it light and fun, which allows your staff to unwind. Organize a team outing like a softball or bowling game, or even a movie night, or take a trip that your team takes on together. It is an excellent way to develop a relaxed team culture while allowing your staff to de-stress away from work.

Another exciting activity could be organizing “Lunch and Learn” sessions. Take your team out for lunch and have a speaker talk about something relevant to your business and industry. It could be an excellent way to bond and learn something new simultaneously.

Ask your team what aspects of their jobs and lives bring them JOY. Make time for more of THAT!

Tip #5:  BE INCLUSIVE! Acknowledge Different Energy Levels

When planning team-building activities, include both introverted and extroverted employees on your committee. They have different ways of managing and recharging their energy so it helps to be respectful and inclusive while also providing effective ways to connect and communicate. 

Some ideas for both Introverts and Extroverts:

• Guided Walks or Tours: Organize a guided walk or tour in your city, allowing team members to explore and connect in a more relaxed and low-pressure setting.

• Creative Workshops: Arrange workshops where team members can explore their creativity, such as painting, pottery, or cooking classes. This allows individuals to express themselves while bonding with their teammates.

• Game of Human Bingo: Create a customized version of Human Bingo that focuses on getting to know each other’s interests, strengths, and hobbies without the pressure of large group interactions.

• Movie Night: Host a movie opportunity where team members can gather to watch a film together and discuss it afterward. This provides a more comfortable space for introverts to engage in conversations.

• Board or Card Games: Organize a board game opportunity where teams can play various games that encourage interaction and teamwork in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

• Icebreaker Games: Start off with icebreaker games like Two Truths and a Lie or Would You Rather. These activities allow everyone to engage and get to know each other in a relaxed and fun way.

• Escape Rooms: Divide the team into smaller groups and challenge them to solve puzzles and escape within a time limit. This activity encourages both collaboration and individual problem-solving skills.

• Outdoor Adventure Activities: Plan outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or team sports like soccer or capture the flag. This allows both introverts and extroverts to choose their level of participation while enjoying nature and teamwork.

• Team Trivia: Organize a trivia competition where teams can showcase their knowledge on various topics. This activity combines friendly competition with intellectual engagement, appealing to both introverts and extroverts.

• Volunteer Work: Collaborate on a community service or charity project. This activity provides an opportunity for both introverts and extroverts to contribute to a meaningful cause while working together as a team.

• Team-Building Retreats: Plan a retreat that includes a mix of structured team-building activities, downtime for personal reflection, and socializing. This provides a balanced environment for introverts and extroverts to connect at their own pace.

• Virtual Team Building Activities: For remote teams, consider virtual activities such as brain teasers, fitness contests, virtual group seminars, or even a “guess that baby” game to promote team bonding and interaction.

Remember, the key to successful team-building activities is to provide a variety of options that cater to different personality types. This ensures that both introverts and extroverts feel comfortable and engaged throughout the process.

Fostering strong teams is necessary for businesses of all sizes to reduce turnover rates, encourage collaboration, and promote employee job satisfaction. Consider the tips discussed in this blog post and try out some fun team-building activities to break up the monotony of your employees’ daily work schedules. Ensure the activities suit the balance between your team’s introverts and extroverts. Building strong teams will not only benefit your staff but also result in higher overall performance levels and, hence, a thriving business.

If you’re ready to take action and create stronger, collaborative teams, visit our Personal Playbook PADLET or set up a call with Janifer Wheeler, the JOYFull BadAss. No need to figure out team building on your own! Janifer, with her background as a teacher, mentor, coach, and curriculum designer, will assist you in creating and executing a customized plan that fits your needs and budget.