November 01, 1998
Meetings & Conventions: Planner's Portfolio November
1998

November 1998
PLANNER'S
PORTFOLIO:Checklist
BY CHERYL-ANNE STURKEN
Choosing a Team-Building Program
The following checklist was compiled with the help of
David Shackley, vice president, Compete International, Inc., 3015
Colvin St., Alexandria, Va. 22314
DETERMINING GROUP DYNAMICS
What is the size of your group, average age and gender
ratio?Has the group participated in a team-building activity
before?Why are you contemplating a team-building activity? For
example, are you primarily looking for your group to bond or to
walk away with a new, can-do attitude?What is the culture of your group? Are they academics
(teachers, researchers), professionals (bankers, lawyers, doctors,
executives) or creative types (editors, illustrators,
designers)?Is the group comfortable together in a non-work setting, or do
they rarely interact outside the office?What is the overall personality of the group? Do they have a
sense of humor, or are they serious?Is the group intensely competitive or more laid-back?Does the group prefer adventurous, outdoor pursuits, or are
they inclined to indoor activities?Will everyone in the group be able to participate, or will some
individuals be excluded for health or physical reasons?Will your group participate actively and willingly in the
program, or are they resistant to the whole idea?SELECTING A TEAM-BUILDING COMPANY
Provide the team-building company with as much information on
your group as you can. Be sure to highlight the group's strengths,
weaknesses, why you are considering a team-building activity and
what you hope Was considerable time spent discussing your group's
goals, philosophies and objectives? Ask about federal, state, and
local tax charges.Is the company interested in integrating personal goals into
the overall team-building concept?Is the supplier willing to customize a program to fit your
group's particular needs?What is the largest group the team-building company has
handled?Does the company provide post-program workshops to help
attendees transfer team-building skills from the course to their
jobs?Did you walk away from initial discussions with a solid grasp
of what each team-building activity accomplishes? If not, chances
are neither will your attendees.Is the company willing to accept physically challenged
attendees? Do they work hard to successfully incorporate them into
the activities?Meet personally with the facilitator assigned to your group. Is
he or she engaging and energetic?Ask about safety precautions.What contingency plans are in place in the event of bad
weather?How long has the company been in business?Ask for references - and check them.Ask for a breakdown of what is included in the service
price.Inquire about liability insurance.SELECTING A GROUP ACTIVITY
Are the programs interesting, challenging and fun?Would they appeal to your group as a whole? (While the prospect
of scaling a 60-foot wall might motivate some participants, it
could also demoralize more than a few.)How much time is required for each program? Consider your
agenda and how much time should be alloted to team-building
activities.Inquire if any special skills are required.Are the goals of each activity clearly outlined?Are they realistic?If possible, have the team-building company arrange for you to
observe a program. At the very least, arrange to see the
course.Notes:
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