Submitted by cschindler on
in
Forums
We have monthly Leadership Team meetings at the company I work for and the agenda of the meetings is centered around improving the business and includes topics like: Sales forecast updates, Financial and budget reporting, Leadership success stories, HR updates etc. In other words we try to work on the business and our Leadership skills rather than the day to day tasks. The meetings are held monthly offsite at a local facility, start with a quick lunch and run all afternoon.
This month the Staff decided to not have a "formal" monthly LT meeting but instead planned a "team building event" at an indoor golf/driving range that is about 50 minutes away. From what I understand there will be no business meeting but only a social event that will last from 12-3PM.
My question for discussion is: does that seem appropriate?
I'm not sure I'm comfortable with playing golf while the rest of my team is working.
I would be interested in other peoples opinions.
P.S. This is the first time we have done anything like this since I have been on the team (~3 years).
For one time it seems OK
I would say that for one time - every few years - It would be OK.
Just don't make a habit of it or the rest of your team will take it the wrong way.
I'm not a big fan of Team building events that require any physical skills.
I have always worked in environments where there are men and women of various ages from early 20's to late 60's. We are also in an academic environment, so most of us are not very fit or interested in sports of any kind.
Such Team Building events are just not fun for lots of folks.
The whole thing about being far away form the home site is also a burden on those folks with families or other responsibilities.
That being said - it might work out fine for your culture and environment.
I recommend ----> Let it happen ___ and you might find that everyone doesn't find it as much fun as they thought it would be.
- Put it in the Delta File
- Don't vote for that plan the next time the idea is floated.
Good Luck
TJPuccio
Thank you for your input.
Thank you for your input. After talking to my manager it turns out that the event is not mandatory so I am gong to opt out for several reasons.
Agian, thanks for your reply.
My advice is to lighten up.
My advice is to lighten up. Team buidling events are not frivolous.
Team building is really about communication building. It's the same concept as going into business doing something you find fun. There's no law that says work has to be drudgery. Just because it's fun doesn't mean it's not productive.
I've been with organizations where half the time was spent trying to decide which fancy restaurant to go to for lunch, and I agree that if you're going out on a party boat every week that's not productive. But once in a while to do something with your team that's completely geared toward relaxation and enjoyment is not only fun, it's necessary to build the strongest lines of communication.
I also agree that if you can't shake the negative attitude about it, the best decision is to stay away so you don't bring the group down. Just be aware that you're in danger of looking like you're snubbing the rest of the group.
It's totally understandable to have mixed feelings about these t
It's totally understandable to have mixed feelings about these team-building events.