KATHMANDU: In every workplace people talk about building the importance of team, trust and a better work environment. But few understand how to create an effective team. Team building is a feeling of being part of something larger than you. It has a lot to do with understanding of the mission or objectives of the organisation. Team building refers to a wide range of activities, presented to businesses, schools and sports teams, religious or non-profit organisations designed for improving team performance. Team building is pursued via a variety of practices, and can range from simple bonding exercises to complex simulations and multi-day team building retreats designed to develop a team.

Team building is an important factor in any environment, its focus is to specialise in bringing out the best in a team to ensure self development, positive communication, leadership skills and the ability to work closely together as a team to solve problem. Ishow Doj Karki, corporate programme coordinator of The Last Resort (TLR), says, “We conduct team building activities with a touch of fun and adventure by involving groups in various kinds of games and acts as we believe in learning through experience.” Informing that TLR is providing learning

opportunities for the past nine years, Karki adds, “Though we have team building activities since its establishment, only three years ago the Nepali market started to understand its import-ance for organisations.”

Adding that a team-oriented environment is crucial for overall success of the organisation, he maintains, “Adventurous team building games like high ropes, rafting, canyoning, hiking, treasure hunt provide a thrill and new experiences also create trust, confidence, motivation, stress reduction, leadership and sorting out of issues.” Keeping in mind different corporate houses, TLR provides tailor made activities as per the needs of individual organisations. He explains, “Our programmes are both adventurous and educational. Our highly trained staff lead participants through activities designed to help them explore communication skills, leadership roles and group dynamics.” He maintains, “High rope is an internationally recognised team building game in which each players should be involved equally to win. It does not only develop trust but also makes one accountable for a partner’s safety which is a must for running the organisation.”

Prajana Waiba Pradhan, HR officer at World Wildlife Fund, says, “Team building can keep employees motivated and enthusiastic about every phase of their job. We conduct a one week trip annually and team building programmes on our anniversary to motivate our employees.” Stating that work pressure and meeting with deadlines makes life hectic at the workplace, Pradhan adds, “Team building activities help employees establish rapport with each other. This helps employees work together in harmony.”

According to her, as staff grow, the organisation grows, hence she stresses on the importance of these activities. She further says, “Every year we plan for new things that enhances the bond between employees new and old and they get time to discuss, sort out issues and change perceptions about each other’s department.”

More work is accomplished by a team than one person could ever hope to accomplish alone. Employees that participate in team building activities are more energetic, enthusiastic and less absent from work. When there are team building activities employees are more likely to submit ideas that ultimately help the organisation function more efficiently and save money. Ideas can also help a company capture market share, develop people and save time. “A team that comes together can accomplish just about any objective when they cooperate to brainstorm different scenarios aimed at achieving goals in a competitive market,” says Karki, adding that these type of activities benefits individual, group and organisation in long term.