Business Link

by Dr Janin Vansteenkiste

The Chamber of Commerce recently approached me with a question about the value of motivational activities for team building.

Here is my reply, in a nutshell!
I always ask: what makes your business perform? You may have the best procedures and processes, but you depend completely on the people who operate and perform them. Motivated staff is everything.

Moreover, no job is an island and everyone’s work is linked directly or indirectly to others. Co-operation and team-effort are the lifeblood of any company.

Companies that attract and retain staff are companies that invest in their people and build strong teams.

Staff appreciate it tremendously when they are offered well-timed and adequate motivational interventions.

There is a wide range of motivational activities on the market. It is very important that you select what will add value to your staff. Mismatched interventions can be detrimental: they alienate members in a team even more from each other and from the company.

What about motivational talks?
A talk does not build a team. At best it provides a fun or meaningful occasion for ‘time out’ for your staff, when you want to treat or reward them.

What about motivational interventions for team building?

Before you start spending, check the real needs of your team!

Do the team members need:
1. More info and training on the tasks they have to achieve?
2. To air grievances about their infrastructure or resources?
3. Better communication or professional skills to operate professionally?
4. Better communication skills to get along as human beings?
5. To de-stress after a difficult and demanding performance?
6. Conflict intervention to get back on track as a team?
7. To get out of a negative spiral and boost their energy and commitment?

The American Management Association, in its global study on coaching practices, states that companies get 7 times the return on investment in coaching.

In the same breath the study shows that only coaches who match your expectations and investment will generate this return. So, know your company and match-make wisely!

Dr Janin Vansteenkiste is a Biographical and Motivational Consultant in Port Elizabeth, working with companies coaching teams and individuals.