Related Sponsors

How can I assess the effectiveness of my Team Building efforts?

Home » Leadership » Introduction to Team Building » How can I assess the effectiveness of my Team Building efforts?

A common rule of business is that what isn�t measured can�t be managed. Once you have begun your Team Building adventure, it�s important you assess the results.

So�step back and take a good look. What activities worked? What didn�t? What were people most resistant to? What did they enjoy most? What resulted in better performance and more consistent communication?

Ask for feedback from your employees. This could be done privately � through evaluations or surveys � or in the form of a group meeting or discussion after your activity is over. Think of it as a debriefing, if you will. Then take that feedback and use it to improve your experience next time around. While you can�t expect everyone to enjoy the process (Team Building often requires individuals to get out of their comfort zones), the honest, productive feedback you do receive can be a great ally.

Most of all, determine if the process was helpful. Do you, as a group, better understand each other? Are you putting to use what you learned? Do you see a difference in your day-to-day inner workings? Are the introverts and extroverts working together? If you can answer �yes� to any of these questions, you are well on your way to building a cohesive, effective team. Congratulations on a job well done! If you find that you haven�t yet achieved the results you desire, don�t give up. Tweak, adjust and regroup as necessary�then try again. While Team Building takes a great deal of work (and maybe even some sweat and tears), the fruit you reap will be well worth the effort.

Next Page: What are Executive Retreats?

Related Introduction to Team Building Articles