Why you should focus on outputs to decide on your teambuilding inputs
Teambuilding can mean many things to many people. And, while we get every kind of enquiry – we want to have fun, get our people out of the office, give everyone a bit of a reset – the briefs we love the most are those we can see will have a lasting impact.
These are the events that are built around a clear purpose. When our clients are telling us what they want the outcome to be, we’re able to build something that delivers what they need. We know which activities work well for communication, team bonding, breaking own barriers, strengthening values; we’ve done it all.
Start with what needs to change
In our experience, the most effective team building starts by understanding what your team actually needs. And this purpose, or outcome, is different for everyone. That’s why we take an individual approach to every event we organise.
Take John Lewis, for example.
Two of their flagship stores were operating more like competitors than collaborators. Their goal was to get everyone together and start the process of shifting their mindset and building stronger working relationships between the teams.
We suggested Jail Break, an activity that required people to communicate, problem-solve and rely on each other under pressure. As soon as they started, we could see they were being encouraged to interact quickly and naturally, without overthinking it.
It worked because it addressed the issue head-on, in a way that felt engaging rather than forced.
The brief we took from AbbVie was completely different.
Their team had already defined their internal mission and values, but they wanted to bring those ideas to life in a way people could actually connect with.
Our Masterpiece activity gave every individual a role to play in creating something bigger. It removed hierarchy, encouraged collaboration, and made communication essential to success.
More importantly, it left them with something tangible: a bespoke piece of artwork which now adorns their office wall as a visual reminder of what they’d created together, and what they stood for as a team
But, sometimes, purpose goes beyond the team itself.
Grosvenor Group’s annual dragon boat regatta brings together employees, partners and suppliers to raise money for charity. The focus is on internal connection, but we deliver a shared experience and collective impact.
Why purpose makes the difference
Having a purpose to your teambuilding event is powerful because people engage differently because there’s a reason behind what they’re doing. The experience feels more meaningful because it connects back to real challenges or goals.
Ultimately, the impact lasts longer because it doesn’t end when the day does. It’s easier for you to carry on the same narrative when you return to the office.
Of course, there’s no single right type of teambuilding. There’s a time and a place for having fun and letting off steam but we find even that works better when there’s a deeper purpose too.
If you’re planning an event, ask yourself:
Do you want people to communicate more openly?
Do your teams need to collaborate better?
Is there a need for reconnection after a busy or challenging period?
How can you bring your values to life in a more tangible way?
When you have considered these elements, we can work with you to understand what you want to achieve, and then design something that genuinely supports that, whether that’s through a high-energy challenge, a creative activity, or something completely bespoke.
So, if you’re planning a team event, start by thinking about what you want it to do, not just what you want it to look like. And if you’re not sure, we can help you figure that out.
Speak to us today on 07767 250192 email us on events@tag-events.com