Guide to Small Business Team Building

Train your team

A seminar, workshop or retreat may be the quickest way to kick-start your teamwork program.

I recommend: TeamBuildingInc.com offers dozens of team training workshops. Find a variety of team-building training tools at The Richardson Company.

Make it fun

When implementing a team-building program, consider injecting a little fun into the mix. When employees are having a good time, it encourages interaction and fosters teamwork.

I recommend: The Ant & The Grasshopper and Total Adventures specialize in team building programs that focus on games and play.

Use team-building exercises

Creating a team environment requires an ongoing commitment. Routinely engage your team in exercises that reinforce the team concept.

I recommend: Find detailed descriptions of common team-building exercises, available free of charge courtesy of Wilderdom.com.

Take it outside

Getting your employees outside the office offers a great opportunity to strengthen your team concept.

I recommend: Make it simple by planning a company picnic or going to a sporting event. If you want a full-scale outdoor adventure, check out the programs offered by Venture Up, the world's largest provider of team building events, including corporate campouts and climbing.

Reward teamwork

If building a team around results — units produced, cost reductions, meeting deadlines — include a monetary reward tied to the results. Money is a great motivator. Offer bonuses, compensation or other rewards for a great team performance.

I recommend: Find employee recognition rewards at Terryberry.com or EliteCorporateGifts.com.

Use meetings to build teamwork

Include team-building elements in your meetings. Use a quick ice breaker to encourage workers to open up and interact, especially when bringing a new team together.

I recommend: Find descriptions of several ice breakers that take only a few minutes at BusinessFundamentals.com.

Add team building to your holiday parties

Your annual holiday party presents a tremendous opportunity to promote team building. Having all of your employees together in a relaxed environment is the ideal situation for reinforcing your team concept.

I recommend: TeamBonding.com presents dozens of ideas for holiday parties that promote team building.