TED Talks and Teambuilding
Creating a nimble, high performing team requires intentional effort. Such teams are never created by accident. Team members who respond creatively and effectively to business challenges work in teams where they feel psychologically safe, as well as valued as individuals. Benefits will also arise from learning and development opportunities.
Successful leaders focus continually on team culture and create an environment where each person thrives. John Adair reminds us of this in his Action Centred Leadership model. A leader has 3 elements to focus on:
- Achieving the task
- Looking after the individuals who are in the team
- Develop and build the team
Below are our top 3 recommended TED Talks on Teambuilding. At 18mins or less they are packed full of practical tips and presented in an inspiring and engaging way.
- Amy Edmondson “How to turn a group of strangers into a team”
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_edmondson_how_to_turn_a_group_of_strangers_into_a_team
Amy Edmondson discussed “teaming” and the need for people to come together on the fly to work on an urgent, difficult problem. We no longer have the luxury of working with stable teams and we need to find ways to help people come together quickly and effectively for a short period of time to share their expertise. - Tom Wujec “Build a tower, build a team”
https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_wujec_build_a_tower_build_a_team#t-204669
Tom Wujuc looks at the nature of collaboration and why the ability to experiment and learn produces stronger results than the need to have one right plan. An interesting look at why an unexpected group can beat an average group.
- Simon Sinek “Why good leaders make you feel safe?”
https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_why_good_leaders_make_you_feel_safe
Trust and cooperation are the basis of any high performing team and Simon Sinek argues that being a good leader is about building this. Unless colleagues feel secure and trusted they won’t take a risk, try new things or get involved in challenging conversations.
Team building activities are a powerful way for colleagues to get to know each other better and build trust. This provides the foundation where colleagues will take a risk and try new things. In the absence of trust and safety, colleagues play it safe and the team never develops beyond mediocre.
Teambuilding activities which are brilliant for getting to know each other and building trust:
