Some organizations think team building means playing games involving team members. We don't do it that way. Occasionally, we use group activities, but our focus in team building is on accurately assessing strengths and weaknesses, building on the strengths, and finding solutions to address the weaknesses.

The initial assessment process can include individual or group interviews, written questionnaires, or Web-based surveys. Once we've gathered this information, we summarize our findings and review them with you and the team. Next, we guide the team in problem solving and planning for improvement. Plans include concrete Action Plans with timelines and accountabilities.

We often use instruments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or DISC to help groups better understand differences in personal work-style preferences. Often this new awareness allows a team to capitalize on its differences, rather than letting the differences create conflicts.

If a team can benefit from training in specific skills to strengthen its capacity for effective teamwork, we conduct "just-in-time" customized training to meet their specific needs. Topics might include Conflict Resolution, Effective Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Giving and Receiving Feedback, and Effective Meetings.