How to Organize a Team Building Event for Leadership Teams

Senior leaders drift into silos and lose sight of shared goals, and because they set the tone for the whole organization, that drift ripples down. This post covers how to set goals and measure the return on a leadership team event, how to choose activities, and how to run a single day or a multi-day retreat.

What leaders get out of it

• Communication and collaboration. Group activities and problem-solving tasks give leaders practice listening to each other and working toward a common goal, the same skills they use to set strategy and motivate staff.
• Problem-solving. An event is a safe place to practice approaching hard problems from different angles, together.
• Trust. Leaders get to know each other personally, and they learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, which helps when delegating.

Set clear goals

Make them specific and measurable

Decide what you want out of the event. To improve communication, for example, plan activities the group can only finish by talking, like a scavenger hunt or an escape room challenge.

Align with company values

Pick activities that reflect the company's mission, vision, and values. If the company values innovation, have leaders brainstorm new ideas or solutions to a problem.

Measure success and ROI

Decide on metrics up front: employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates. Use them to calculate the return on investment, improve future events, and justify the spend.

Choose the right activities

Assess the team

Consider team dynamics, personalities, and communication styles. A team struggling with communication needs communication activities. A team facing a major challenge needs problem-solving and decision-making. If the group is large, split into smaller groups so everyone participates.

Build trust and cooperation

Group problem-solving exercises, team-building games, and role-playing scenarios all work. Make sure no activity requires physical abilities some leaders may not have, and avoid anything culturally insensitive.

Keep it enjoyable

Music, food, and team challenges keep people engaged. Keep the atmosphere supportive and respectful, and skip activities that turn competitive or hostile. A leadership team doesn't need more practice at that.

Plan and run the event

Venue and time

Look for space for breakout sessions and group activities. A park or nature reserve works for outdoor activities, and a conference center or hotel offers meeting rooms and amenities. Pick the time of day that gets the best attendance and engagement: if your team is full of early birds, go with the morning.

Budget

Budget early. Account for catering, transportation, and accommodations if you need them. To save money, hold the event on a weekday, when venues and vendors may offer lower rates, and negotiate with vendors.

Keep it organized

Delegate responsibilities and make sure everyone knows the objectives and what's expected. Assign roles like timekeeper or note-taker. Consider hiring a professional facilitator to guide the activities.

Have a backup plan

If you're outdoors, have a contingency plan for bad weather. Bring a first aid kit and know where the nearest hospital or urgent care is.