Yep, you guessed it. This topic comes from the trenches of been there done that. Why nonprofit organizations rarely set aside time for staff development and teamwork building activities is beyond explanation. It would seem that when you work in the service of others somehow, as if by magic, you will all get along all the time. Umm, I don't think so.
Here are my top four ideas for an organization tight on cash but in need of some work on their interpersonal skills (that's everyone in case you missed it.)
Get Out
Literally, I mean get out of the office. If you need to call it something formal, call it a "walking meeting". A 15 minute walk with a co-worker or two can help you connect and refresh the blood circulating in your body.
If you can take this a step further, get out and go somewhere that will help inspire your work. Is that a walk in the woods, a trip to a museum or historical landmark, a visit to a service provider? That can be up to you, but taking the time to spend away from your cubicle and pile of to-dos will foster bonding.
Sharing Online Personality Surveys
I don't mean the are you a cat or dog person surveys that pop up on your desktop. I mean looking at yourself and your team from a new perspective based on outside information. I'm a big fan of Meyers-Briggs and Carson Tate, but there are probably hundreds of surveys out there that you can take and then share with your team. Help them get to know you and learn more about your team as well.
Fun & Games
Spend the final 10 minutes of a meeting on fun and games, If your senior leader needs to leave, let them. But reallocating 10 minutes of a weekly meeting to fun will actually increase your productivity.
Here are some fun and cheap games to try.
TRIVIA-
Get the brain pumping with some trivia bout your organization, a holiday, this day in history. Research 10 great trivia questions and bring those along.
TWO TRUTHS and A LIE-
This a great way to get to know your co-workers. Again you can specify time period, topic or just let people come up with their own ideas.
M&Ms GAME
If you can't spring for everyone to have their own bag, purchase one small bag of M&Ms and randomly give each coworker one. Then they get to share based on the assigned topic. Do as many rounds as you have M&Ms. You can use Starbursts or Skittles too- I won't tell.
Social Hour
Some people have called me potluck queen in the past. It's a name I wear with pride.
Potluck breakfasts or lunches can be a great way to have your staff interact. Pick a date, pick a theme and get the word out. Don't worry about who shows up and who doesn't (although brownie points for senior staff who make the time to have this be a priority). I recommend taking on the main dish item as the host person/committee so that you can be sure those people who only bring a bag of chips have something to eat. Also, encourage people who can't or forget to bring something to come anyways. It's the time together that will make the difference.
I'm always on the look out for other cheap/free ways to foster strong teamwork. Have an idea to share? Please let me know.