Diversity is a running theme in today's corporate culture. Job descriptions tout companies' diversity and resumes state candidates' desires for a diverse working environment. With so much emphasis on diversity, it's more important than ever for companies to remember that these well-qualified, unique employees must somehow work together. This can easily be accomplished by incorporating team building exercises into the company's culture.
Most will say they welcome diversity in the workplace. While it's true that diversity offers many opportunities to learn from others, it can also create challenges in accomplishing both personal and company goals. It's important that all parties understand how team-building exercises can help overcome these challenges to reach their goals.
For some, team building may sound unnecessary or even childish. However, once participants see how quickly these exercises can break down communication barriers and create new bonds among coworkers, they're eager to attend more sessions. It's also not uncommon to hear recent participants discussing their own ideas for team building or suggesting participation to their coworkers.
These exercises can take many forms. They can be elaborate offsite events or simple activities for a smaller group that take place during a lunch hour. Both approaches offer similar benefits, depending on the company's goals and budget.
Offsite events are typically geared toward companies with multiple departments and/or multiple locations. Attendees could include management members from various departments. The objective is for participants to interact in a nonthreatening environment. This fosters open communication and can create a better understanding of others' approaches to everyday tasks.
Sample exercise: Two Truths and a Lie
- Divide group into teams of five
- On a 3x5 card, each person writes two truths and one lie about themselves, but keeps them hidden
- Staying in groups, participants quiz each other about their answers for 10 minutes
- Participants should try to convince others that the lie is the truth, while trying to guess others' truths and lies
- This activity lets participants get to know each other better and could lead to better communication in the workplace
Small department activities are typically geared toward members of the same team or department. Attendees could include the entire department or representatives from various functions. The objectives are to foster open communication in a nonthreatening environment and to get to know coworkers better.
Sample exercise: Turn the tarp
- Unfold tarp on the ground or floor and have all participants stand on it
- Participants must create a plan to flip the tarp without anyone stepping off
- Afterwards, participants should discuss the task (e.g., was it difficult/easy, did anyone take charge, was everyone in agreement, etc.)
Diversity may be a current trend, but it's one that is likely to continue indefinitely. It's important that companies and their employees embrace the concept of diversity. However, it's more important that they're well equipped to take advantage of its many opportunities through ongoing team building exercises.
Sarah writes on behalf of Office Magic who are an office supplies company. Office Magic have a wide range of office solutions to meet any business needs - including photocopiers, printers, fax machines, scanners, computers and much more. If you are looking to get a new photocopier or check photocopier prices.
