Are you getting the most out of team building at your corporate events?
"In order to build the strongest and best teams in the world, you've got to put them a little bit in their uncomfortable zone." Jeremy Brooks, Co-Founder, Strayboots.
Team building for most companies is thought of as just a box you need to check off when hosting a corporate event. Though, if taken seriously, it could help your team gain measurable cultural and operational benefits over time.
I sat down with the Co-Founder of our affiliate, Strayboots, a corporate team building and experiential events company, where we discussed the hidden importance of having the right team building at your next corporate event.
Too often, companies treat team building as entertainment rather than an investment, booking a round at Top Golf or a duck boat tour that fills the time slot without actually pushing anyone to grow.
Real team building puts people in a competitive, slightly uncomfortable environment, because that discomfort is exactly what forces a team to open up.
| Sections | What it's about. |
| What makes a great team building experience? | Small groups, customized challenges, and activities scaled to your company's goals. |
| Who should lead each group? | Let new or entry-level employees lead to uncover hidden leadership potential. |
| How do you choose the right activity? | Consider demographics, group size, budget, and desired challenge level. |
| What should you take back to the office? | Stronger communication, identified leaders, and a team that trusts one another. |
Team building gives your employees the opportunity to "really communicate, build that trust, and collaborate, which ultimately at the end is going to result in a stronger team."
When it comes to Strayboots putting together a scavenger hunt for your company, there are certain must-have factors to help the success rate.
The first thing they focus on is not ever having groups of more than five or six people. The smaller size groups force people that are more introverted or would usually try to not fully participating playing a key role.
The second factor is the style of scavenger hunt that pushes the participants. Strayboots has worked in major cities all over the world, tailoring the theme or task to exactly what is best for your company. For example, imagine you and part of your team being blindfolded and tethered together, and your assignment is to escape Manhattan in New York. "Navigating the streets of New York City is tough. Just like business is tough, just like life is tough." And that is just a Level 1. Experiences can scale all the way up to a Level 10, like spending three to five days on a private island in the Florida Keys in a full survivor-style challenge.
Want to make sure your corporate goals are being achieved in the on-site experience?Read about the 6 most important steps to follow.
An important part of the team building process is who will oversee each team. Most people think to automatically pick the highest-ranking member. Though, team building activities are a perfect time for a company to see how their new hires or entry-level employees perform in a low-stress environment.
This can even be an opportunity to expose individuals that have leadership traits that have never been identified before. Time and again, companies walk away saying they had no idea a certain team member had such strong communication skills, and that is one of the most valuable things you can take back to the office.
"What can you do where everyone is going to be challenged?"
"What are the demographics, geography, and DNA of the organization?"
"How strong do you want your team to be?"
Strayboots alone offers over 178 different team building formats, so no matter your group size, budget, or location, there is an option that fits.
Want to learn more about if your event is creating real results for your company?
Companies exist to achieve a goal, to have success over the industry you are in. So, it is important that everyone working towards that goal feels they can speak up with new ideas or step in when a co-worker needs them to achieve that ultimate goal.
When it is your time to plan the team building activity for your company, think about if what you are presenting will help build and make your team stronger.
Wondering where your next event should be? Read about the top 10 corporate event destinations here.
Start by considering your team's demographics, group size, and goals. Ask yourself what will challenge everyone equally, what fits your budget and location, and how strong you want your team to become as a result.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but the right activity should push people slightly outside their comfort zone while remaining inclusive.
Ideally, you should begin planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before your event.
This gives you enough time to assess your team's needs, align with a vendor, and customize the experience to fit your company's goals, group size, and location.
Frame team building as a business investment rather than a social expense.
Present it in terms of measurable outcomes like improved communication, stronger collaboration, and employee retention, all of which directly impact company performance and culture.
Budgets can vary widely depending on the format and scale of the experience.
A good rule of thumb is to treat team building as a per-person investment rather than a flat cost, as this helps you scale the activity appropriately without sacrificing quality or inclusivity.
There are plenty of indoor options that are just as effective, including scavenger hunts, live team game shows, competitive tabletop activities, and CSR experiences like building care packages.
A good team building partner will tailor the format to your group's specific needs, ensuring everyone can participate fully regardless of physical ability or preference.
Planning a corporate event that actually brings your team closer together takes more than just booking a venue. GoGather has years of experience crafting purposeful, engaging events that go beyond entertainment and deliver real results. Whether you are coordinating a large company offsite or an intimate team experience, GoGather works closely with you to create experiences that are creative, streamlined, and smart. Let's start planning your next event together.