Team building goals are objectives set by a group or organization to improve cooperation, communication, trust, and overall teamwork between employees or members. Setting focused team-building goals and actively working towards them can transform a disconnected group into a cohesive, high-performing unit.
Why are team-building goals important?
Several key reasons clearly defined team building goals are vital for any group:
Improves morale
When teammates make an effort to get to know each other better and work on bonding, morale receives a big boost. Employees begin looking forward to time spent with their team, creating positive energy.
Increases collaboration
Collaboration comes naturally when employees have developed trust and understand each other’s working styles. Team building activities break down barriers between departments.
Develops trust
Teammates who have vulnerable conversations during team-building exercises build trust. Trust is essential – employees who trust each other experience less conflict.
Encourages communication
Team building facilitates open, honest communication between employees. Comfort levels rising from spending recreational time together makes day-to-day communication easier.
Promotes problem-solving
Games and activities that require teammates to problem-solve together get them thinking creatively. These skills translate to the workplace.
Breaks down silos
When departments only focus on their own goals in isolation, silos develop. Team building brings everyone together, helping eliminate silo mentalities.
Supports vision
Team building unifies employees around organizational goals. A shared vision propels teams forward.
What makes an effective team-building goal?
For team building goals to be met, they should have certain qualities:
Specific
Goals need to be ultra-specific, not vague. Ex: “Improve collaboration between the sales and marketing divisions” rather than “Encourage collaboration.”
Measurable
Have quantifiable targets to track progress. Ex: “Increase cross-departmental meetings by 30%.”
Achievable
Goals should be challenging but within reach. Employees become discouraged by extreme goals.
Relevant
Goals must align with organizational objectives. Ex: “Problem solve faster” not “Play games together.”
Time-bound
Put deadlines on goals to create urgency. Ex: “Plan a cross-departmental brainstorming session by December 1st.”
What are some examples of team-building goals?
Smart team-building goals address the specific needs of an organization. Here are some examples:
Boost Innovation
Foster innovative thinking with goals like “Facilitate a brainstorming happy hour once a quarter” or “Form an innovation committee of one member from each department.”
Improve Knowledge Sharing
Prevent knowledge silos with goals like “Implement a peer mentorship program” or “Start a weekly newsletter highlighting achievements.”
Increase Employee Engagement
Engage employees with goals like “Plan a team volunteer event every quarter” or “Organize office sports teams for friendly competitions.”
Strengthen Work Relationships
Bring employees together with goals like “Conduct team lunches twice a month” or “Organize a bring your family to work day.”
Develop Leadership Skills
Cultivate leaders with goals like “Assign team leads to plan team building activities” or “Offer public speaking and management workshops.”
Enhance Cross-Department Partnerships
Unite departments with goals like “Establish cross-departmental feedback committees” or “Implement an internal client-provider program.”
Build Trust
Develop trust with goals like “Conduct team building retreats annually” or “Facilitate weekly team check-ins.”
How can teams effectively set and achieve team-building goals?
Follow these best practices when establishing and working towards team-building goals:
- Involve team members in goal-setting – increased buy-in when they choose goals
- Set S.M.A.R.T. goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound
- Connect goals to company values/mission – ensures alignment
- Assign responsible parties – Provide accountability
- Allocate proper resources – removes roadblocks
- Create action plans with tasks & deadlines – maintain focus
- Document goals where all can access – keep top of mind
- Regularly re-evaluate/modify – ensures appropriateness
- Celebrate progress and achievements – motivates team
- Analyze results at completion – determines success and future needs
Conclusion
Well-defined team-building goals significantly contribute to organizational success by improving collaboration, communication, and camaraderie between employees. Leaders should involve team members in setting S.M.A.R.T. goals aligned with company needs, provide proper resources, and reward progress. When thoughtfully created and actively worked towards, team-building goals can transform disconnected groups into united, high-performing teams.
FAQs
What are some team-building activities or games?
Some examples are escape rooms, scavenger hunts, trivia, sports competitions, ropes courses, improv workshops, cooking classes, volunteer projects, and guided nature hikes.
How often should team building activities be conducted?
Ideally, substantial team-building activities should occur quarterly. Smaller bonding opportunities like lunches or coffee breaks can happen more frequently.
How long should team-building activities last?
For optimal outcomes, half-day or full-day activities are recommended. Shorter activities under 2 hours can also be impactful if conducted consistently.
Should virtual team-building activities be considered?
Absolutely. While in-person is ideal, creative virtual activities can also effectively connect distributed or remote teams.
What are signs that a team could benefit from team building?
Indicators like lack of communication, bottlenecks, blurred responsibilities, high turnover, lack of innovation, low morale, and decreased productivity signal that team-building interventions may be needed.