I am facilitating an awayday for 5 people (4 staff & their new manager). They are generally unhappy and feel threatened by their new manager who wants to try and make changes. The manager is exasperated by their negative attitude and lack of respect. I have worked with them recently on another matter and found them quite hostile and resistant to any intervention.
The manager would like the day to be about teambuilding and empowerment. I would like it to be seen as useful but also fun!
Any suggestions for suitable activities for a group of 5 would be much appreciated!
Sarah Coles
4 Responses
Interesting!!
Hi Sarah,
This looks like you’ve got yourself a real challenge!
From what you say there are real differences of opinion between what the new manager wants and what the team thinks he wants from your intervention.
Whilst it might not be easy, I suggest that you consider ways of finding out from ‘both sides’ how this difference of perception has arisen.
Are they in the middle of a period of change? Do they feel let down in some way? What is communication like between the manager and team?
Any new manager can find themselves in a situation like this and it is vital to establish a level of trust and credibility as early as possible. This can be achieved by making a commitment to do something and then carrying it out.
As far as a team awayday is concerned, I have run a series of events within a company going through massive change and would be happy to share some ideas.
Feel free to drop me an email.
Kind regards,
Colin Hamilton
email: [email protected]
web: http://www.bis-improve.co.uk
Give them a common goal
Personally I would include a group challenge during this session – where they all have to work together and use each others strengths. A good problem solving exercise is something like “toxic popcorn”. It has two main phases – talking is limited during the planning phase and some team members are blindfolded during the activity phase. With just 5 team members, that should present them with quite something to overcome together.
The sense of achievement when it has been completed is great and has always been well recieved when I have used it.
Please email me if you want further details.
Regards
Emma Westwood
Steele Training
Use TAM
See http://www.thisistam.com Its a method of obtaining an agreement on what needs doing and who will do it for a team up to 21 people.
Humph
Using Fish!
Hello Sarah
It may be worth looking at Fish! This offers an excellent way to boost morale, increase team spirit and focus on positive outcomes for the group.
Try reading the book Fish! by Stephen Lundin first. The Ken Blanchard group also have exercises and videos to use which could be very useful for your group.
Good luck!
Desiree Cox
[email protected]