| Group dynamics is an important aspect for the | | | | time. The ball should be tossed about rather than |
| success of any business - big or small. This is why | | | | systematically passed around. |
| companies are inviting trainers to conduct programs in | | | | If the ball touches the floor at any point then the ball |
| team building and leadership. In fact, according to the | | | | should not be passed around in the team for one |
| experts, fun team building activities during the training | | | | minute. |
| program bring about dynamic team understanding and | | | | Make the teams complete a few circuits and steadily |
| synergy. | | | | create complex patterns. |
| Given here is an interesting team building activity for | | | | Debrief the teams: |
| trainers... | | | | Stop the teams after a couple of circuits and ask for |
| The Tennis Ball Game | | | | feedback regarding how they, as a team, are |
| Objective of this activity: To enable participants to | | | | becoming more efficient. |
| experience the various stages of team building; as well | | | | Bringing in activity modifications: |
| as become aware of all that happens at each stage. | | | | A co-worker reports sick: Remove one participant |
| Duration for the activity: 20 to 25 minutes | | | | from each team. This will teach the participants that |
| The requirements: | | | | teams can continue to function effectively, even if one |
| 8 to 10 Tennis Balls | | | | team member is not present, as each one can fill in for |
| A whistle | | | | the absent member. |
| Prizes for the teams | | | | Increased production demand: Give each team a |
| The Rules: | | | | second ball. As time progresses a third and fourth ball |
| Divide the participants into small groups, depending on | | | | can also be thrown into each team. This is how the |
| the number of participants. | | | | teams will understand the need to continue working |
| Have them arrange themselves in a circle. | | | | efficiently when production needs have increased, no |
| Give one person from each team a tennis ball and the | | | | matter to what extent. |
| explain the rules of the game. | | | | The understanding after this activity: |
| Each group is competing with the other groups. The | | | | How did each team perform? |
| winning team is that which completes the maximum | | | | How did each team perform in comparison to the |
| number of 'circuits' in the given time span. | | | | other teams? |
| A circuit is considered complete when every member | | | | Team analysis... Each team member communication, |
| of the team has touched the tennis ball. | | | | performance, behavior, etc. |
| Only one team member can touch the tennis ball at a | | | | |