How long does it take to build a team?
This is a common question and one for which there is no true answer. I guess you should be asking, is teambuilding ever a complete process? Teams are like any long relationship, a friendship or marriage. It takes daily work and consistent focus. If you value it, you think it is worth the effort. So, as the leader, ask yourself if it is worth the effort? You have to believe it is.
Key questions to ask yourself?
How will you prioritise teamwork?
Who is on the team and how will you gain their buy in?
Where are they located and how do you work together?
How established is the team?
How much of a "change" do you want to see?
The answer
If your team is new and hasn't yet established group norms, or if the team is fairly cohesive, then it won't take long to establish new behaviours. You could create an "onboarding" programme over a number of weeks with away days, coaching and development activities and then embed the behaviours over a few months so they become habit. Then it is down to you all to hold each other accountable for living up to the team charter.
For more established teams with negative behaviours and deeper conflict issues, the process can take months of consistent action and reinforcement. You might even lose a few members along the way. You might even need some outside support in achieving your goal of creating a cohesive team.
The more you meet and work together, the quicker the habits and new behaviours will be embedded. That said, having run many 5 behaviours of a cohesive team sessions, results can dramatically shift in just a few days.
High angle view of businesspeople analyzing photographs in creative office
How much can be achieved in a 2 day off-site session?
I recommend initiating teamwork with a 2 day off-site session. It won't be a magic wand, transforming the team overnight. It is more like setting the reset button, clearing the old and committing to a new way of working together.
A lot can shift
If the leader is committed to the behaviours, a lot can shift in 2 days. I have seen a new level of trust emerge in just half a day, which then moves towards respect, care and alignment. I have seen the most challenging topics and grudges be aired, healed and let go of. But... the team has to be ready for it. The onboarding process before the 2 days needs to be right and the leader needs to be ready to get vulnerable.
It is hard work
This is team building like no other. You won't be raft building or zipwiring. You will be having deep conversations, face conflict about responsibilities, work and operational issues. You will step into discomfort so that you can clear away misunderstandings, assumptions and judgements and move to appreciation and understanding.
That is why I recommend using a trained facilitator. The leader is part of the team so can't really lead the session. They have to be in it. You need a safe space so everyone can show up and be present.
But once you have done the clearing, the fun bonding can begin.
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