Team building activities and icebreakers are fun ways to start the process of building a strong work team.
These tasks and activities are set up to allow group members to get to know each other, practice different styles of communication, make group decisions, solve problems and work with people they wouldn’t normally spend much time with. Energizers help renew the group or discharge any tension that may develop.
Where does the term icebreaker come from? The term “icebreaker” comes from “break the ice”. The term applies to special ships called “icebreakers” that are designed to break up ice in arctic regions making it easier for other ships to travel. Therefore an icebreaker helps to clear the way for the participants to get to know one another. Generally the tasks involved are designed to get the participants to share their names and backgrounds.
Energizers are quick, fun activities to energise a group. They are particularly useful after a meal when the participants may be getting listless or late in the day when energy is declining and enthusiasm is decreasing. Often an icebreaker, a team building activity and an energizer will overlap. As a result these activities are often grouped together according to how they might be used.
Team building activities
There are literally hundreds of exercises and ways to tackle your team building session. Beach and Bush have a highly qualified team of advisors just waiting to help you organise your day according to your specific needs.
