We all know that a high functioning team that works well together is integral to success in any company. So, how do you turn a group of individuals into a cohesive, efficient unit? That's where a 1-day team-building agenda steps up to the mark. In this article, we're going to explore why investing just one day in team building can be a game-changer for your company.
What are the benefits of a one day agenda
Team building is one of the most effective ways companies can help employees work better together, and a well-planned 1-day agenda can work wonders in achieving this. So what we can imagine is this: your team gathering in the morning, a fresh day ahead, and an agenda designed to transform a group of individuals into a high-performing team.
This agenda strikes the perfect balance between personal connection and professional growth, ensuring your team emerges stronger and more united than ever. We’ve even included some practical top tips for improving your team-building.
So let’s get into the day’s agenda!
An exciting one-day team building agenda
Morning session: Building the foundation (8:45 AM - 12:00 PM)
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM: Welcome and icebreaker
Start the day with a warm welcome and a selection of light snacks. A fun icebreaker will get everyone in the mood for team building. A simple game of "Two Truths and a Lie", a quick activity effective at breaking the ice. Here’s how to set up a game:
- First, the meeting organizer provides a demonstration. They write three sentences on a whiteboard about themselves. Two of the sentences are true. One must be false.
- Participants have the chance to ask one question about any sentence (using their best detective work!), to figure out which one sounds like it might be a lie.
- Write down which sentence each member thinks is the lie. Once everyone has guessed, finally reveal which one isn’t true to the group.
- A person who guessed correctly is given 1 point. The next member writes their three sentences. Watch the surprise unfold as you discover the team leader has a phobia of clowns!
Top tip: Encourage one of your more senior employees to prepare an example beforehand. An example of three fun sentences will certainly help to encourage other team members to choose fun and creative sentences for their 2 truths and 1 lie.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Team vision and goals
Facilitate a discussion about your team's vision. It's important to align everyone's understanding of the team's goals and objectives. Crafting a shared team vision is like setting the compass for your team's journey. Using an hour and a half, use this session to create a clear path forward that everyone can rally behind. Here's how:
- Gather your team in a comfortable and inspiring space. Use the most comfortable meeting room.
- Discuss your company's overall mission and values. This is the foundation for your team's vision.
- Brainstorm and dream big! Encourage team members to share their ideas and vision for the future.
- Prioritize and narrow down the ideas into specific, achievable goals. Keep them SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
By the end of this session, you'll have a shared vision and concrete goals that'll inspire your team to move forward together. This unified sense of purpose will be a driving force behind improved teamwork and productivity.
Top tip: Use visual aids or diagrams to make the vision more tangible and memorable. Assign a dedicated and experienced staff member to guide the discussion. A leader that all members can get behind can help ensure that every team member's voice feels heard.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Coffee break
A short coffee break is a perfect time for informal chats, a way to step outside of team-building and allow time for natural team-bonding.
Top tip: Don’t overlook the effectiveness of adding something slightly new to a coffee break. Why not bring some new interesting energy bars or packs of nuts from a local vendor? You may find your team members bonding through their favorite foods over their morning latte.
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Team puzzle: Marshmallow Spaghetti Tower
The Marshmallow Spaghetti Challenge is one fantastic team-building activity. Here's a step-by-step plan to help your company set it up:
1. Gather your materials
Collect all the supplies you need. This includes marshmallows, dry spaghetti, and measuring tools to determine the height of the towers. Make sure you have enough for all teams.
2. Create teams
Divide the group into teams of 3-4 people. Mixing up different departments or roles can lead to interesting results and encourage new bonds.
3. Explain the challenge
Each team's task is to build the tallest free-standing tower using only marshmallows and spaghetti. Emphasize that the tower must remain standing on its own for at least 30 seconds.
4. Start the clock
Set a time limit, typically 20-30 minutes, to add an element of excitement and urgency.
5. Allow the creativity to flow
Let the teams brainstorm and build their towers. Encourage them to think outside the box and experiment with different designs.
6. Measure and announce winners
After the time is up, measure the height of each tower and declare the winners.
Top tip: Encourage teams to communicate effectively and adapt as they go. Sometimes the first idea isn't the best one. Your hope is that team members will learn that being flexible can lead to success. This challenge is not just about the tallest tower but also teamwork and problem-solving. So, celebrate creativity and collaboration as much as the height of the towers!
Lunch break: Bonding over food (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Enjoy a leisurely lunch together. Sharing a meal is a fantastic way to connect on a personal level. These connections help team bonding. By spending some time planning and considering new ways to take lunch, group members are more likely to remember the day.
Top tip: Spend some time beforehand learning the favourite foods of each member, or even their dietary requirements. Ordering food that pleases many people in the group creates a feeling of comfort and care. You could even consider a buffet-style lunch for its open layout and more diverse food options.
Afternoon session: Strengthening team bonds (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM: Strength Deployment Inventory test
Use the hour following the lunch bonding to introduce a psychometric test. The wonders of this test are two-fold; a reflection of the teams they are in today, and going forward, a deeper understanding of their teams in the workplace. The findings can be applied to both, the day’s relaxed setting and tomorrow’s business world.
The Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) is a powerful tool for getting to know individual and team dynamics better. It helps people discover their core strengths and the motivations behind their behaviors. Here's a step-by-step plan to create an SDI test for the day’s teams:
1. Choose a format
Decide whether you want to use a paper-based questionnaire or a digital platform. Online versions can streamline the process and provide instant results.
2. Craft questions
Design questions that elicit information about individual behaviors and preferences in various situations. Consider using a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
3. Develop a scoring system
Create a scoring system that helps participants identify their core strengths and motivations. The SDI typically categorizes people into three main areas: Relationship Building, People Helping, and Task Accomplishing.
4. Roll it out
Administer the SDI test to your teams. Ensure clear instructions and confidentiality to encourage honest responses.
5. Interpret and apply
Provide participants with their results and offer guidance on how to interpret them. Encourage open discussions to explore the implications for team dynamics.
Top tip: Keep in mind that the SDI is not just a one-time assessment; it's a tool for ongoing growth. The results help to create a work culture of understanding and appreciation for each other's strengths and motivations. This ongoing dialogue is where the real magic of the SDI happens, helping teams work together more effectively.
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Snack break
Provide some energizing snacks to keep the team fueled for the rest of the day. Adding small items like a popular new book or leaflets with inspiring quotes to the break area can help make the day more memorable.
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Problem-solving Scavenger Hunt
The Problem-solving Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic way to boost teamwork and problem-solving skills. According to a report from PayScale, 60% of managers feel that new graduates entering the company lack problem-solving skills (the most commonly lacking soft-skill of all). Let's look at creating an engaging activity to help this skill while having fun:
1. Create teams
Divide your employees into teams of 3-4 members. Mixing different departments or roles can spark diverse perspectives.
2. Set locations
Select the locations where teams will complete their challenges. These can be different spots within your office, or you can take the hunt outdoors if feasible.
3. Create clues
Make them intriguing and challenging but not so tough that they become discouraging. Something as simple as “find something sky-blue”, or “something printed yesterday”.
4. Set a time limit
Determine the time limit for completing the scavenger hunt. This adds an element of excitement and urgency.
5. Go time!
Release the teams and let the hunt begin. Make sure to have someone available for questions or assistance if needed.
6. Debrief and share
Gather everyone after the scavenger hunt and have teams share their experiences and solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate creativity and teamwork.
Top tip: Encourage teams to think outside the box. Sometimes the most innovative solutions come from a diverse group of minds. Problem-solving is a muscle that strengthens with practice!
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM: Reflection and goal alignment
Gather your team to reflect on the day's activities and set goals for future collaboration. What did they learn? How can they apply these lessons in their daily work?
Here’s a great time to use the findings of the SDI tests earlier to help members reflect on their motivations at work. They may find new interesting things about themselves, like whether they’re more ‘assertive’ or ‘analytical’ when working in a team.
Closing remarks (4:00 PM - 4:15 PM)
As we conclude this day of team-building and self-discovery, it's important for staff to reflect on the achievements they’ve made and how they can carry these lessons into the workplace.
But the lessons learned through the teambuilding activities don't end here. Members have forged bonds, learned about themselves and their teammates, and honed new skills. Going forward, it's up to the whole team to bring this energy and enthusiasm back to the workplace.
TLDR? Here’s our printer friendly simplified version!
Extend your 1-day agenda with Surf Office!
So, you've just completed a highly successful 1-day teambuilding agenda and your team is buzzing with newfound energy. But why stop at just one day when you can transform this positive momentum into a truly transformative experience?
Extending your teambuilding activities into a multiple-day company retreat with Surf Office can take your team's cohesion and performance to the next level. Here's why it's a fantastic idea:
- Deeper bonds: One day is a great start, but imagine what your team can achieve with more time together. A multi-day retreat allows team members to build even deeper connections, getting to know each other on a personal level
- Learning continuity: The 1-day agenda introduced valuable insights and activities, such as the Strength Deployment Inventory Test and the Problem-Solving Scavenger Hunt. With a multiple-day retreat, you can reinforce these lessons and allow team members to apply what they've learned to longer scenarios.
- Relaxed environment: Surf Office provides an opportunity for your team to escape the daily routine and immerse themselves in a more relaxed environment. Why not choose an offsite location for your next team outing? This change of scenery can encourage fresh perspectives.
- Focused workshops: Extending the agenda allows for more in-depth workshops, ensuring that team-building activities are not just a one-off event but a sustained process.
- Increased productivity: Studies have shown that team members who feel connected and supported are more productive. Extending your teambuilding agenda into a retreat ensures that the team leaves with a sense of unity and a shared vision.
How can Surf Office be of assistance?
Ready to elevate your team-building experience to new heights? Choose Surf Office and let us handle the logistics while you focus on what truly matters - strengthening your team bonds. With 130+ locations across the USA and Europe, catering to every demand from golden sandy beaches to mountainous retreats, we've got you covered.
We also take care of the following:
🚗 Airport transfers
🏨 Accommodation
🎯 Team building activities
🍽️ Restaurant reservations
🗺️ Retreat planning assistance
🔧 Onsite support (if requested)
Contact us today for more information!
