1. Set objectives
Ask yourself why are we doing this? What do we want to get out of this course or event. Is it just a fun event, or do we you have specific issues to address such as improving communication. Is it just a getting to know you exercise?
2. Know and Agree Your Budget
There is nothing worse than going out to find an event supplier without knowing what you have to spend. Especially if you have to report back to the purse string holder after you have spent a lot of wasted time discussing programmes in detail with a prospective supplier.
3.Think about who you will taking
The objectives above will to a large degree help with this. It is unusual to have the same age range in your team who all like the same things. It is more likely you will have a wide age range who will have different ideas and fears about a team building course or event.
4. Get Buy in or Ownership
Keep them in the loop. Explain to them the reasons behind the event to allay their fears. Many people fear such events as they believe they are being put under the microscope and assessed by the powers that be within the Company. Explain this is not the case and spell out the objectives.
5. Decide on the nature of the event
Low impact high impact, outdoors, indoors ? Again this will be determined by the objectives you set, the issues to be addressed and the individuals involved. You may wish to put people under pressure, you may want to put them in an unfamiliar environment. Alternatively you may just want some light indoor challenges.
6. Distance with overnight
Is this event being to be held locally or further afield. Are you going to stay overnight or just go for the day. This again will be determined by 1 and 2 above in particular. Budget will obviously play a big part in this decision. In our experience an overnight stay can add more value to an event as people can learn more about themselves and their colleagues with this itinerary rather than a single day close to home.
7. Venue and geographic area of search
Once you have decided on an overnight stay or a local event you can work out relative travel times to a mutually convenient part of the UK or Europe. This will be dictated by the choice of event to a degree eg outdoor wilderness, seaside etc. remember to factor in travel costs and decide on whether the travel time to and from an event is work or own time.
