Written by: Vitus Dono (MSc OD, ODCC, EMODAL)
First Published: September 10, 2016, on www.vitusodconsult.com
Team building is a targeted intervention designed to enhance team development. It typically involves a one or more day program aimed at improving interpersonal relations, increasing productivity, or better aligning organizational goals (Kreik & Ventor, 2009). Team building, as an OD intervention, focuses on enhancing team relationships to facilitate team planning and performance through selected models and tailored OD exercises and tools.
The success of a team-building intervention largely depends on the facilitator’s competence and the tools they use. However, the real impact lies in the organization’s recognition of the need to transition to higher performance levels to achieve collective goals rather than individual successes. The OD Consultant plays a crucial role in highlighting the dissatisfaction with the current state of the organization through data collection, thereby justifying the need for change.
When facilitating a Team Building intervention, the OD Practitioner must be mindful of adult learning strategies to present the introduction in a way that immediately underscores the relevance of the intervention to the organization.
When is a Team-Building Intervention Necessary?
Organizational interventions are generally based on the outcomes of an Organizational Capacity Assessment. Team Building is often recommended as an intervention in organizations where capacity assessments reveal subpar relationships, reward systems, and leadership. It can also be an effective intervention for strengthening and enhancing the performance of a mature organization or when setting up a new team.
Effective Team Building is achieved through various OD tools, models, and processes, ranging from simple bonding exercises to complex simulations. These activities are designed to develop the team into a sustainable, healthy, and high-performing unit.
For more information on Organizational Development and Team Building:
- Visit the College for Community and Organisation Development (CCOD) at www.ccod.edu.gh, the premier OD technical university in Africa. CCOD focuses on developing appreciative leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics using behavioral science approaches to promote personal and organizational effectiveness and transformation.
- CCOD is an official partner of the Institute of Organization Development (IOD), Florida, USA, accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB), and affiliated with the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana.