Building motivation, boosting morale, through to spotting future team leaders – by thinking outside the box, team-building activities are transformed
We all have recollections, or perhaps a perception, of a team-building activity. The days of the get - to know - each - other cross-firing of questions, or being forced into the outdoors to complete a physical task you would much rather avoid – have had their time. Previously effective, these team bonding strategies have become dull and predictable - rather than engaging a team, it can often have the opposite effect.
You may be a team leader yourself, looking for a corporate team building activity that will pull your team together and promote a positive working atmosphere. If you manage a team, you will be all too aware of the amount of stress your employees might face in the workplace on a daily basis, but reluctant to choose something predictable and uninspiring.
Thinking outside the box for the perfect team-building activity…
What if there was an activity that transformed these activities into something that improved communication skills, encouraged teamwork and boosted motivation, all whilst having fun and ensuring a memorable and share-worthy event?
Escape rooms offer an unrivalled experience for team members to think proactively and work together to achieve a common goal – escape.
To find out why an immersive escape room, or a virtual escape room, might offer you or your team the most interactive and engaging experience, read on…
An escape room experience provides many challenges that your team members need to think creatively around. With the addition of time pressure, this creative process is enhanced – supporting the development of innovation and problem-solving.
The most important thing that a team-building exercise can show you are the strengths and weaknesses of your team members, and on the team as a whole. No team leader wants to get to sign off on a project, only to find your team haven’t communicated or collaborated on the task. An escape room celebrates each team player’s individual success, highlighting their strengths and addressing their weaknesses.
Communication is key to Escape Room success…
Escape rooms get everyone on the team working together towards a common goal. If your team needs to improve their communication, an escape room gives them the opportunity of solving puzzles – cracking codes and piecing together important information. The team experience in an escape room creates a sense of camaraderie, something which can be carried over into the business world, creating an environment that has higher productivity and a happier workforce.
The goal-setting at a start of an escape room challenge is a critical component of the activity. Whatever the goal, whether you find yourself escaping the harsh conditions of the prison, may be captured by the infamous Zodiac killer or in the midst of a nuclear launch with the fate of the world resting on your shoulders., your team is given just 60 minutes to complete it. The clearly defined objective and the limited amount of time, help the team to focus – motivating them to work together and achieve success.
Find leadership qualities you never knew existed….
We all know that all great teams need a great team leader. Perhaps you are looking for someone to help you with that task, ready to take the extra responsibility and keen to demonstrate this. But how do you choose the right person? Interviews are all very well and will cover the basics, but can you truly pick a future team leader from one? An escape game will provide managers with the chance to see first-hand who a natural leader might be. Working in a high-pressure, timed environment will bring any future stars to the fore – whilst equally providing existing leaders a chance to build on their management skills.
Sharing in the success of a ‘Dream Team”
The collaborative nature of escape rooms - working as a team to overcome difficult challenges, the shared adrenaline rush of beating the clock – is sure to bond players with their teammates. Knowing you have all been through the same challenge and conquered it, gives a great sense of achievement and team cohesion, and in a sense the feeling you are truly part of a “dream team”.
It’s fair to say that escape rooms should be regarded as a powerful team-building tool – a world away from the traditional team-building exercises that leave many cold. Escape rooms focus on values that are key to the success of a business, whilst allowing team players to have fun.
Fox in a Box and AKD Solutions offer a cost-effective and fun way to encourage team building, communication, leadership skills and confidence. If you are seeking a team-building activity that is as effective as it is memorable, an escape room is the answer.
For more information or to discuss a bespoke package to suit your needs, contact info@foxinaboxlondon.uk +44 (0)20 3876 5610
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