TEAM BUILDING - Team Building for Fools

Reader Submissions: Readers Share Their Worst and Least Favorite Workplace Events of the Decade

From Susanna

What Was Your Worst and Least Favorite Workplace Event 

I think that one of the worst trends of the previous decade were some of the "team building" exercises, where co-workers were organized into groups to make or do something that had nothing to do with their actual jobs (such as building a model rocket or competing in 3-legged gunny sack races). These "team building" events were particularly awful when they happened in off-site locations where drinking was involved.

Describe What Made This Event or Happening Your Worst 

I attended one of these events. The company had contracted with an outside vendor that specialized in motivational team building. The event took place at a conference center. In addition to the horrors of the day (ridiculous exercises directed by a bunch of gym-teacher types with bad attitudes and whistles around their necks), the night's festivities included tossing people into the swimming pool. I went back to my room as soon as possible, but I heard that I missed the good parts -- drunk and near-naked co-workers chasing each other through the halls, someone throwing up in the pool, etc. This was supposed to forge better relationships? If juicy gossip and grudges were the goal, the event was a big success!

Advice

• If forced to attend one of these events, keep your cool. Say as little as possible and for God's sake, don't drink too much. Maybe you won't be seen as an enthusiastic team player, but at least you won't be seen as a fool.

What Was Your Worst and Least Favorite Workplace Event 

New boss instituted these socials that were "optional" in the sense that if you didn't show up you got a visit from him and he asked why you had missed it and he expressed, with quite a bit of conviction, that he just knew that you'd come to the next one.

Describe What Made This Event or Happening Your Worst 

Socializing with colleagues is supposed to be a good way to build morale and make individuals into a team, but the boss made the atmosphere so uncomfortable. He made really gauche personal comments about some of the workers, and obviously didn't know who some of the people were, even some that reported directly to him. Instead of feeling like we were a team, it destroyed the little morale we had. Everyone was very relieved when he left the position.

Advice

• If you must attend an "optional" work-related social event, you should always be on time, make polite conversation and mingle to make sure the right people see you.
• If you dread these events, always have a good excuse to leave prepared in advance so that if you need to escape you can do it gracefully.
• If asked about the event later be polite, but take the initiative to offer alternative suggestions for future events if you have any good ideas.