The Telegraph’s Post

How About… Leveling Up Team Bonding with Friendly Competition? An element I try to incorporate into all of my events is a little healthy (friendly) competition, as it can be the secret sauce to creating stronger connections. Think about it: it gets everyone out of their comfort zones, pushing them to work together and have some fun in the process. It's like playing a board game with friends – everyone's giving it their all, cheering each other on (even if they secretly want to win!), and ultimately having a blast together. Picture an offsite with your team competing in a scavenger hunt, company Olympics, sailing regatta, or even a miniature golf tournament where the friendly competition isn't about crushing the other team; it's about building camaraderie and celebrating each other's strengths. People discover hidden talents, bond over shared experiences, and learn to laugh together. Recognize everyone's contributions, big or small, because at the end of the day, you're one team working towards a common goal. So next time you're planning a team bonding activity, embrace a little friendly competition! You'll be surprised at how much closer your team becomes, and how much more fun you have along the way. After all, a little playful competition can spark a whole lot of team spirit and lasting memories. What are your favorite ways to incorporate friendly competition into your team bonding activities? Share your ideas in the comments! #TeamBuilding #TeamBonding #FriendlyCompetition #WorkFam #TeamSpirit #Engagement

It’s so easy to get caught up in keeping strict professional boundaries that we can sometimes forget that getting to know your team away from their desk can really help them feel connected to both each other and the team’s mission. You have a hard working team! But they don’t seem to know each other very well. As a leader, it’s up to you to create opportunities for your team to experience something new together or facilitate ways for them to get to know each other better. When you have a team that knows and supports each other, you have a team that can thrive in even the toughest challenges. There’s a picture that still sits on the shelf in an office showcase… a raft full of people in white rapids. That rafting trip was the first one the office went on and they had to not only conquer the fear of being in the raft, but had to also listen to a guide instruct them while making sure no one was left in the water or fell overboard. The trip started with lots of laughter, both nervous and excited, and was soon replaced with keen concentration as the guide instructed them on how to remain safe as they faced higher-than-normal rapids. Those who were more nervous or scared had to rely on those ready to be brave and act should the raft turn over. The relief as they successfully navigated the rapids and arrived at their destination was shared via high fives and hugs. The picture was proof they did something scary together and it was referenced anytime things got tough on the next project. This type of bonding lives on past the event. Build these moments for your team! #LeadershipChallenge #TheLeadershipChallenge #Bonds #Experiences #SharedExperience #TeamBuilding

Do you have a memory of a "team-building" exercise in which you participated, but just wish you had skipped it? I can empathize with some of the experiences depicted in this article. What is your favorite team-building exercise? #teambuilding #mpigeorgia

This article from Big Think offers three vibrant case studies for how fun is fundamental to resiliency, innovation, and problem-solving. We love seeing how our people fit fun into their days, everything from team building in meetings to friendly competitions and challenges, and of course, joining in company events and celebrations. When combined with their absolute dedication to serving our providers, clients, and each other, it’s no wonder All Star is a high-performance company. We appreciate our All Stars and all they do! #AllStarCares #FunIsFundamental https://lnkd.in/ehHek4JT

As you all know, I love introducing teams to strengths, and what made yesterday's workshop even more special was sprinkling some wellbeing at work in the mix. Who would have thought that you could align your unique strengths with wellbeing? If your team is already familiar with strengths and you're looking to continue building on this reach out for a discussion.

Want to organize a team-building event but unsure which activities to choose? Should you choose high-intensity, adventurous challenges or engaging, collaboration-focused activities? Not every team is the same, and selecting the right activity can make a big difference! Discover the Two Main Types of Team-Building Activities: Which One Suits Your Team Best? https://lnkd.in/dGHNuJFX

🎯 **Unlock Your Inner Archer and Transform Your Team's Dynamics!** 🎯 Hi LinkedIn community, Michael Coleman here, Founder and CEO of Coleman Recreational Adventures & Events LLC (CRAE Services) in the Southeastern & Northeastern PA area. Imagine this: You and your team, bows in hand, drawing back arrows, and hitting the bullseye together. Archery isn't just a sport—it's a powerful metaphor for focus, precision, and teamwork. At CRAE Services, we specialize in creating these transformative experiences through our archery lessons and target sports activities. We cater to a wide range of events, from corporate team-building to birthday parties, and even bachelor/bachelorette celebrations. Our customizable packages ensure that every event is unique and memorable. Plus, our Level One training and coaching are designed for all skill levels, so everyone can join in on the fun. But here's where we need your help: We're on a mission to expand our reach and raise our profits. We're seeking families, companies, schools, and summer camps to join our growing community of shooting sports enthusiasts. If you know anyone who might be interested, our referral program offers a 20% discount—it's a win-win! We're also on the lookout for a passionate recreational manager with an archery background and leadership skills to help us elevate our operations. If you or someone you know fits the bill, let's connect! As for me, balancing work and life, staying productive, and pursuing further education are my personal goals. I rely on tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Calendar to keep everything on track. And yes, we're fully insured through USA Archery, prioritizing safety above all. Exciting times are ahead as we plan to introduce indoor activities like rock climbing and escape rooms, as well as outdoor experiences such as hiking and camping. Stay tuned for more updates! Let's hit the mark together. 🏹 #Archery #TeamBuilding #Leadership #Recreation #Philadelphia --- Michael Coleman Founder & CEO, Coleman Recreational Adventures & Events LLC (CRAE Services) P.S. If you have any tips on recruiting and client retention, I'd love to hear them!

When it comes to team-building exercises, it's not uncommon for traditional activities to feel forced or lacking authenticity. However, there are alternative approaches that can be more effective for your team. One unconventional method that stands out to me is the practice of "red dotting." This involves allowing team members to express their current state of mind or emotions through a concise statement that cannot be challenged. It serves as a quick pulse check to understand where individuals are at on a given day or week. What are your preferred team-building exercises that have proven to be successful and enjoyable? https://lnkd.in/g2w-Urfq

I loved seeing this today at York Sport when I took my youngest to his weekly football class I have long advocated for this approach in businesses. Listen to your employees, engage with them and those small business wins will in fact lead to large wellbeing wins. I know that this is aimed at customers but the ethos behind what Ashley Smith and Richard Orr are doing is spot on. My instant reaction upon seeing this as a customer was "Wow. This place really listens to customers, engages with them and it's not just lip service". I am 100% convinced that I will not be the only one who feels like this when they walk through the doors and see this so fantastic work on making it so clear and visible. If something this simple makes customers feel a sense of value and belonging and unity with the business, imagine what it would do if it was applied to your employees too. imagine the cultural changes and true unity in a common purpose that could be achieved by implementing simple practices like this. It doesn't matter if you have 2 employees or 200. The principles and ethos behind it are the same and the benefits are just as positive. As a customer, who has never even met or spoken with Richard or Ashley before, I walked away genuinely thinking that York Sport must be a great place to work. I have absolutely no idea if this commitment to continuous improvement and wellbeing is engaged with at a staff level as well as a customer level but I really hope it is because that, in my book, is a *chefs kiss* moment

Stretching your boundaries is not easy, but it's vital. It's about embracing the unknown, pushing past limitations, and discovering new horizons of possibility. So why wait? 😁 In the article, we discuss 7 team-building exercises aimed at pushing boundaries without breaking the bank. What activities have worked well for your team in the past, or what exciting new ideas do you have in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments!