Main Body
4. Facilitation Basics
What are the necessary steps to take when creating a team-building program?
Program Planning Outline
- Step 1 – Assess Group Demographics
- Step 2 – Facilitator Planning and Preparation
- Step 3 – Pre-Activity Checks
- Step 4 – Orientation
- Step 5 – Challenge Course Sequence (Re-adjust plan according to the dynamics of the group and continually process the experience)
- Step 6 – Debrief
- Step 7 – Follow-Up
Which factors play an important role?
1. Program Planning and Sequencing
All teambuilding programs should be designed to meet the needs and objectives of the group. Therefore, an assessment should be done in advance so that the facilitator knows what to expect in regard to the needs and qualities of the group. As a facilitator, choosing the activities that you feel will best meet the group’s goals is an important first step in developing a teambuilding program.
2. Program Length
The program length and available time will vary depending on your group.
3. Group Size
One facilitator per 12 participants is the ideal group size (occasionally one facilitator per 15 participants).
4. Setting the Stage
- Talk about the group members’ expectations for the program. What do they want?
- Help participants generate goals and expectations for the program.
- Challenge by Choice
- Set the mood and tone: upbeat, confident, compassionate
5. Choosing Activities
After gaining an understanding of the group you will be working with, begin to plan the program. Keep the following general information in mind as you select activities:
- Ages 8-12: you may want to choose activities that require physical activity to keep them interested. Experiential debriefs will work best.
- Ages 12-16: you may need to plan more activities for this age, as they will spend less time on debriefing than older students and adults.
- College-aged and older: Alternate physical and cognitive challenges.
- Adults: They like to spend time processing each activity. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you don’t get through all the activities that you had planned.
6. Sequencing Activities
After you have chosen the activities that you feel will help the group meet its goals and objectives, arrange them in a sequence that will be comfortable for the group.
7. Adjusting the Plan
Deciding whether to make adjustments to the activities you planned is a skill that takes practice. As a facilitator, watch how the group works together and be prepared to substitute activities that will help them to better meet their objectives. The following are some general questions that may be helpful as you make your decision to re-adjust:
- Are there any resistant members?
- Are they comfortable with physical contact needed for some activities?
- Are they being sufficiently challenged?
- Do they plan and listen to one another?
- Do you have a participant that is injured or unable to participate in your original plan of activities?
- How’s the weather? You may need to adjust your plan from