Team Building Puzzles
Team building puzzles are one of many ways that a company can further improve the productivity of a team. By putting a team in a situation where they have to work together under a timer, important skills can be developed. By doing so in a fun, laid back environment, it is often viewed as a reward. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when selecting team building puzzles and implementing them in an office environment.
Team building puzzles are often treated as a cure all for a team. It is believed that exposure to these challenges will harness an employees skills and make the team function at higher performance levels. While these games can help, they are not the only thing that results in higher productivity. Careful management of the team and its personalities is required for its success. Team building puzzles are simply a tool to hone the skills that are built on the foundation of good management.
When selecting team building puzzles, there is something that you need to remember. First, the challenges should be selected with the skills and intellect of the team as a whole. Not every puzzle, or every team, is created equal. Choose the puzzles that will challenge your team members, not thwart them completely. If you select a challenge that is way too difficult for them, they will fail. Failure can lead to lower esteems and hesitation. This can lower productivity, as their confidence levels may be hampered.
However, if you choose a puzzle that is easy or on par with their abilities, their confidence will be boosted, resulting in higher levels of productivity. This allows tight deadlines to be met, and encourages all of the members of the team to do their best.
Team building puzzles can be used as rewards, as well. By setting up contests between various teams around a corporation, these puzzles can be used to improve employee interactions across departments, as well as treat the employees to several hours of productive play that in turn improves morale and productivity.
Team building puzzles also make very good training tools. By implementing them early in careers, teams can be built with a strong foundation with a heavy reliance on working as a team. By introducing this form of teamwork early, there will be no doubts or questions that the new employee is required to work in a team function without causing problems.
Team building puzzles should not be used as corrective or disciplinary measures, as this will send the wrong message to employees.