4 reasons why using a strategy at team-building events is crucial

Events of all kinds are happening around us all the time. Be it a business-centric or a consumer-facing event, organizers are incorporating light and fun activities to offer a nice time and experience to attendees. These breakout activities serve as a breather, help attendees’ network and provide much-needed entertainment. Is this section of an event an analyzed and strategic plan? Well, most times, team building activities serve as small fillers and not much thought is put into them. But if you or the client isn’t averse to investing a good amount, make sure you look at them from a strategic point of view and offer a great experience to attendees.

Keep a few things in mind when you plan breakout activities and it should be a smooth ride.

1. Give them a flavor of your organization

Remember that team building activities are supposed to offer a breather between the larger, more crucial, segments. They are supposed to channelize their energies for the next segment. Try and plug in your company’s messaging (albeit subtly) wherever you can, as it works wonders in creating memorable experiences and forming robust relationships too.

2. Stay focused on your wider objectives

If you do something for the sake of it, that’s not going to reap the expected results. The activities need to have a purpose and they need to be relevant. Whatever is the result you expect – getting them competitive, improving their communication skills, people and time management – make sure the activity flows seamlessly with the main communication of the event.

3. Consider the personalities at play

Before chalking out your breakout activities consider the diverse mix of people attending your event. Factors like age, demographics and other data will help you understand why you are doing these activities and what kind of activities should you plan. The activities need to be appealing to the attendees and, more importantly, they should not make anyone feel uncomfortable at any point in time. If you have achieved this combination, you have ensured a good event for them and a good feedback for you.

4. Don’t do it as a one-off

An event that has brought so many people together should be maximized. Post the activities/event, arrange for a smaller follow-on event that serves as a recall as well as offers learnings and takeaways. If a complete event isn’t possible, share information digitally that stays with the attendees that they find useful and can put to use later.

Team building activities are just that – activities that help instill a sense of working together. Thus, your activities should work towards making attendees more focused, goal-oriented and productive. These activities must be designed around crucial objectives like business deliverables and budget. To conclude, it should be a win-win situation, benefiting the organizer as well as the attendees.