We are looking for a "fun" exercise using either video conference or/and telephone technoogy to enable two teams to get to know each other. One team is based in the US and one over here. We have 2 hours booked on videoconference and wondered if anyone knew of any exercises that were quick and worked.
nick tompkins
3 Responses
Try the Team Builders Forum
Hi Nick,
I can’t help you myself, but have you tried posting your request on the Team Builders Forum? Its a relatively new group, but may be able to help.
Go to the following site and follow the link to ‘Team Builders Forum’ (its free to register)
http://www.teambuilding.org/tmbresources.htm
Good luck!
Colin Hamilton
email: colin@bis-improve.co.uk
web: http://www.bis-improve.co.uk
Virtual team building
Hi Nick,
Just off the top of my head…
Depending on the size of each team and the method you intend to use, this may work:
If the team members are known to each other, either by voice or role, you can adapt this idea accordingly.
Prior to the meeting send out a short questionnaire, asking members to describe either their hobbies or interests. Have a list of names and functions for each member. The idea is to fit profiles to individuals (i.e. guess which role fits which profile) as a team. If voices are known, use NetMeeting or similar to ‘chat’ (off camera).
As each member is identified (specify short time limit) have him or her appear on camera. You could briefly discuss mutual interests or use each new member to choose the next participant. To bring members into the forum, assign each member a number. I would suggest that the two team leaders or senior members are live from the offset. If each team is to assemble at the respective locations, simply have each team member out of camera shot, until they have been identified. As the process evolves, you could have both teams take part.
The idea here is an icebreaker with a difference. The exercise will serve several purposes including:
Team building
Cohesion of virtual and non-virtual teams
Aid to remove the isolation factor
Identify strengths and weaknesses in communications
Highlight some of the issues of virtual teams
Identify differences in attitude, especially in hierarchical structures
If you would like me to expand on the idea, feel free to contact me.
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Clive
Similar project
I recently saw a video of a similar transatlantic project for a company based in Bristol.
If you want to talk to the provider to see if you can capitalise on the experience they are called Jolly Serious. They are also based in Bristol. They specialise in events with big messages.
If you need more info my number is 01386 761636
Good luck
Nigel Denning