Movie Team Building. Lessons from the Big Screen.

Lessons from the Big Screen

What's behind the success of the Hunger Games film franchise? Probably the quality of the story, combining plenty of action with endearing, charismatic characters, but we'll leave that to the film critics — as experts in corporate activities and team building days, we look beyond the striking costumes, excellent cinematography or fantastic cast, to focus on 5 lessons we can apply to our work team, no need to bring bows and arrows to the office ;)

1. Lead by example.

Katniss draws hundreds of thousands of devoted followers across the whole nation of Panem, mainly because she's an honest, genuine person, as every leader should be. She also doesn't hesitate to sacrifice herself for her own, risking her life for the good of the team. Teams thrive when leaders become part of them, rather than simply directing them; Katniss seems fearless, even though we know she isn't, and this way she inspires courage in others.

1. Foster innovation.

We don't all have the same skills or abilities. Just as Katniss learns climbing from Rue, and also learns to collaborate with Peeta on camouflage skills, team leaders should encourage their members to show off their strengths, share that knowledge with colleagues, and use them to meet the team's goals. That's exactly what this team building activity is about. If you're also an example to them, they'll be willing to take risks for the common good.

1. Dress to impress.

Marketing. You need to put on a grand show to impress your potential market. In The Hunger Games, the Capitol's stylist, Cinna, made sure Katniss and Peeta caused a sensation with his creations, with original, striking, unusual costumes, before heading into the arena.

1. Show loyalty.

Katniss puts her own safety at risk when, in the arena, holding Rue in her arms, she sings her a song trying to comfort her companion at the end of her short life. Team members aren't just colleagues — they're human beings, and relationships need real care when things get tough. It's not about covering their bed in flowers and singing them tender songs, obviously, but there's always room for empathy, affection and respect. This is a common reflection among participants in our team building.

1. Make sure everyone knows their role.

Haymitch may have had some personal issues, but when his team, Katniss and Peeta, need sponsors to obtain necessary items, he steps up. Effie Trinket, their chaperone, might seem like a very superficial woman, but she gives her all to fulfil her role and help Haymitch with the sponsors. Katniss and Peeta's job is to "stay alive", according to Haymitch, and, ultimately, that's exactly what they did.

Teams work best when every member knows their role, trusts one another, and has a leader who sets the example every day. In a winning team, tasks are handled by the most suited people, based on their skills and abilities, so everyone can give their best.

At Kaizen Coaching and Team Building we run original, spectacular corporate and outdoor team building activities, like The Hunger Games. It's a fantastic activity, in which we recreate the film's best moments so you can experience them firsthand. As you know, the best team building for companies in Madrid and Barcelona is with Kaizen Coaching and Team Building.