Before you start planning any team building exercises, first assess the team. The purpose of the team building exercises will vary depending on what areas you want to address. Does the team need to develop trust and synergy? Are there breakdowns in communication? 

1. Do activities as a team off the field.

These activities can go a long long way. When teammates and coaches get to know each other on a personal level, trust, character and community can grow stronger.

Getting to know teammates and coaches will only help them understand each other and embrace their differences.

2. Set team goals.

If a team is crystal clear about where they want to go as a team, the team has direction and purpose for each day.

3. Get involved in the community. 

Sometimes players and coaches can become fixated with their own drama. Volunteering can be a great way to reconnect with the world around them and focus on the things that matter.

4. Develop a system for conflict resolution.

At Flo, we abide by "Big boy big girl rules." That means when there's an issue that needs to be resolved, it's up to us to communicate with the people that pertain to the issue and fix it. Drop the ego, solve the problem and move forward. When you put a good system in place and it's enforced, this will change the entire dynamic of your team culture.

Everyone manages conflict differently so address issues appropriately. Some people like to handle problems as them come up. Others need space and time away from the issue and will revisit it when the time is right. Some people want to avoid all conflict. 

How do you manage conflict? How do your teammates? 

5. Save the drama.

Once the uniform is buttoned up and the laces are tied, focus and attention are devoted to the team and the goals set. Outside influence, distractions, and drama exist off the field and not in the club house.


Tom Wujec: Build a tower, build a team