Grow Your Business

Q: I run an accounting firm with less than 20 personnel. Though we are a small group, I think team building sessions would be helpful for us. But how can we have them when there is very little budget?

A: Before budget considerations, it is best to assess whether you really need a team building session. It should not be confused with "team recreation" which consists of just "feel good" or relaxation activities. There is no point in spending on something you do not really need.  

Creating effective teams is a challenge in every organization and may be pursued through a variety of practices. It can range from simple bonding exercises to complex simulations, multi-day trust building, communication and group dynamic games.

When is a team building session necessary? These are possible reasons for holding a team building session:

• Improving communication and building trust
• Enhancing inter-personal or inter-departmental collaboration
• Creating a nurturing or enjoyable environment
• Motivating team members to perform better
• Getting everyone "onto the same page", painting the big picture

Assuming your team legitimately needs a team building session, there are many creative ways of fitting it into your budget. Here are some cost-cutting tips:

2. Food: You may have to do some pencil pushing to determine if it is more cost-effective to have the food catered or to bring your own cook (if this is an option).  

3. Training  Materials, Supplies, Equipment: If your team building sessions are essentially indoors, then you don't need to spend on additional cost for facilities. Work with your consultant on the team building games and exercises, so you do not have to rent "nice-to-have", but unnecessary, gadgets or equipment.

4. Consultant's Fees: Consultant's fees normally range from P25,000.00 per day to P40,000.00 per day. Fees also vary according to participant size, location or venue and complexity of team building exercises. You also have the option to use your Human Resources or Training department to run the  session for you. While cost is an important consideration, the choice of consultant should be based on expertise and competence.

In the end, team building sessions should be viewed as an investment in people and the organization, rather than an expense.