Team Building vs Team Bonding

Team Building vs Team Bonding

When a company decides to run some kind of activity, commonly referred to as Team Building, it should be clear about the goals it wants to achieve, and the real needs of that team or group of people. The term Team Building activity is often used for any activity to be run as a group, but here we'd like to clearly define what a Team Building activity is versus a Team Bonding, incentive or corporate activity.

Generally, HR managers are the ones responsible for defining and running this type of activity, whether Team Building or Team Bonding. When we focus on activities with a high level of physical activity, we're leaning toward team bonding or incentives — the goal is fun, relaxation, spending a day together, whereas when the goal is improving skills and competencies that help people be more productive, efficient and work in a much more organised way, we'd call it Team Building.

Both approaches are valid depending on identified needs, and each has its advantages. The main difference is that Team Building involves post-activity reflection that leads to a change in behaviour and the acquisition of new knowledge, while Team Bonding tends to be a fun experience. If you're looking to improve cohesion and have a relaxing day, or reward a job well done, the option is Team Bonding. If, on the other hand, you're looking to improve skills, strengthen the team and a sense of belonging, then Team Building will help you achieve those goals.

TEAM BUILDING

• Encourages reflection on what happened during the day.
• Focuses mainly on behaviours and how they affect how work gets done.
• Helps team members work together and build synergies within the company.
• Develops skills related to communication, planning, problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Fosters long-term behaviour change — participants commit to improvements as a result of their reflections.
• Helps employees build more genuine connections with one another.
• Opens up debate and deeper thinking, always facilitated by our trainers and coaches.

TEAM BONDING

• Focuses on fun activities — having a good time is the priority.
• Brings participants together by fostering collaboration and teamwork.
• Helps people get to know their colleagues better.
• Lets employees "connect" in a different setting.
• Usually a one-off activity, run once a year.

At Kaizen Coaching and Team Building, we can advise you on choosing the ideal activity, whether your needs point to a Team Building day or Team Bonding turns out to be more suitable — ask us with no obligation.