It is important that a group be able to develop naturally utilizing these steps. As Moderators we do everything we can to neither affirm nor deny  any questions presented to us concerning the tasks . It is a utmost importance that a group be allowed to develop without any outside influence if it is to be successful in it’s development. So many times at Higher Ground in or team building program that a teacher or leader of the group (an Alpha member) who is not an actual part of the designated group start hinting to the group solutions. This immediately interrupts the conflict or storming phase which then denies the group the ability to draw a group consensus. The group cannot properly Norm or  Perform. As a groups leader in these team building sessions we find it is better to follow the lead of the Higher Ground staff person and neither affirm or deny any questions the group has,but rather to not say anything. Let the group go to their own natural conclusions.  Success for a team building exercise is not necessarily reaching the top of the wall but rather to learn how to function in everyday life as team players.

We take our Team Building program very seriously. We feel that your Team Building dollars must be well spent. We have spent the past 17 years working to develop the best program possible. Call us and see what we can do for your team.

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851 Bond NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503     616-774-3100      Climbon@higround.com

How Does Team Building Work?

Team Building without a specific program which works toward the development of the team’s ideals is a fruitless endeavor. Without an understanding of Team Dynamics and correct application of these concepts, a Team Building session amounts to nothing more than a group playing some childish games.

There are at least 9 different models that logically show the development of a team. An example of this is the Tubbs System Model which is as follows

1. 1.Orientation: Where the team members get to know each other,
   

    Define the problem and consider the limitations of the problem

2. 2.Conflict: In this part the group considers the individual ideas. Conflict allows the group to evaluate the ideas of the individuals and helps the group avoid conformity.
   

3. 3.Consensus: This is the logical end of the conflict stage. It is within this  
   

    stage where the group has reached compromise, determine 

    approaches to the cited problems. It is within this stage that solutions are

    determined and alternatives  are agreed upon 

4. 4.Closure: This is the final step where the final result is presented and
   

    the individual members of the group affirm their support of the groups  

    decisions      

At Higher Ground we work with a system similar to the afore mentioned model known as the Tuckmans Stages Model, which is easily understood as Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Adjourning.