Taking the Initiative II

This book is intended as a resource for students, practitioners, and anyone interested in helping groups and teams be more effective and efficient in their work and lives.  Telling people to just “cooperate” and “collaborate” is like telling kids to just “pay attention” or “focus” more.  Without the tools for success, expecting improvement from your group is unrealistic.  The beauty of using recreation activities as the modality for developing and improving these group dynamics skills is that people will engage and learn more while having fun and making positive connections with those around them. Practicing group skills through fun initiatives will empower your group with the tools for success in school, at work, or in life.  

One of the main focuses of this book, which makes it different from other teambuilding books, is that the activities are organized around the T.A.S.T.E. Model.  This model is especially important because it breaks down the elements needed for successful groups into easy-to-understand categories.  You can focus on one or more elements of the T.A.S.T.E. model based on the needs of your group.  You will find this important information in Section 1. Equally important is what you’ll find in Sections 2 and 4. These sections show you how to assess the needs of your group, plan and lead the activities for maximum effectiveness, and help your group to process what they’ve learned - a key difference between just a fun activity and a teambuilding initiative.  Section 3 and the Appendix are filled with over 200 engaging teambuilding initiatives that are purposefully fun and goal-specific.  The initiatives show up in all sections of the T.A.S.T.E. Model to which they apply so that you may find the same activity in multiple sections. Lastly, interspersed throughout the book are some words of wisdom from an alumna of York College of Pennsylvania, Brittany “Bipp” Rose, who has been working in the field for almost 20 years, perfecting her teambuilding skills and sharing the joy of recreation with kids at Camp Thompson and the Carlisle School District.  Be sure to take the time to read “Bipp's Tips”. Lastly, be sure to check out some great resources in the Appendix.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teambuilding initiatives so this book also has ideas for planning for your particular group. Different groups have different needs on different days, so leaders need to be ready to adapt to meet the needs at that moment.  Changing rules, making activities more or less challenging, or combining activities is part of the process, so be flexible, adaptable, empathetic, and always focus on the physical and psychological safety of your participants.  

Skillset

Length of Activity: 20 to 30 minutes

Preparation: Use the Comfort Zone Bullseye, adapted as seen below, either on a poster or flier.  If possible, mark it on the floor, using colored dots or some other type of barrier like ropes to make the bullseye.