7 Virtual Team Building Pitfalls

Choosing the right virtual team building activity is crucial for the success of your remote or hybrid team. There are several factors to consider when making your decision. These include such as the size of your team, the location of your team members, and the type of activity.

It is also important to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a team activity being less than successful. To help you choose the right activity for your team, here are 7 virtual team building pitfalls to avoid.

Pitfall #1: Getting too caught up in the planning process

One of the most common mistakes that team leaders make is spending too much time planning the activity. While it is important to have a plan for the activity, it is also important to be flexible. And to allow the team to adapt the activity to their needs and goals. If you spend too much time planning the activity, you may miss out on important input from team members. You may also not be able to adapt the activity to the team’s changing needs. Team building activities should be flexible and adaptable. Be sure to leave some room for the team to add their own creativity and input!

Just because you have a great idea for a team building activity does not mean that everyone on the team will automatically be on board with it. When you are choosing an activity, make sure to get input from all of the team members. Ask them what they think about the activity, and whether or not they would be interested in participating. If there is strong opposition to the idea, it may be best to choose a different activity.

Pitfall #2: Not considering the team’s goals and make-up

Another common mistake is not aligning the team building activity with the team’s goals. Every team has different goals. It is important to choose an activity that will help the team to achieve their goals. For example, if the team’s goal is to improve communication, you might want to choose an activity that involves problem solving or conflict resolution. If improveing morale is the focus, you really need to choose an activity that is fun and engaging for everyone. Whatever the team’s goals may be, be sure to choose an activity that will help them to achieve their objectives!

You might also want consider the team members’ personalities. Some personality types may prove to be bad fits for certain activities. For example, if the team is introverted, they may not enjoy an activity that is loud and interactive. Similarly, if the team is highly competitive, they may not enjoy an activity that is cooperative in nature. It is important to choose an activity that will be enjoyable for all members of the team. Be sure to consider their personalities when making your selection!

Pitfall #3: Not taking into account the team’s level of experience

When choosing a virtual team building activity, it is important to consider the team’s level of experience. If the team is new, choose an activity that is designed to help them get to know each other better. If the team has been working together for a while, choose an activity that is designed to challenge them. And to their processes as well. Regardless of the team’s level of experience, be sure to choose an activity that is appropriate for their needs!

Pitfall #4: Not making the activity engaging enough

One of the most common complaints about virtual team building activities is that they are not engaging enough. This is an indicator that the activity and the team are not the best of pairings. When choosing an activity, be sure to consider how you can use technology to make the activity more engaging.

Our MiniScavenge activity encourages everyone to use their regular tools to collaborate as they enjoy the challenge it presents. There are many ways to use technology to make virtual team building activities more engaging. Be sure to explore all of your options!

Pitfall #5: Not having a clear objective

Another common mistake is not having a clear objective for the team building activity. Every activity should have a specific purpose or goal. It is important to make sure that the team understands what the objective is. With a clear objective, the team is more likely to be motivated and participate. Be sure to clearly communicate the objective of the activity to the team before starting. That way they can be sure to focus their efforts on achieving the desired result.

Pitfall #6: Not debriefing after the activity

It is also important to debrief with the team after the activity is complete. This is a great time to ask the team for feedback on the activity. And also to identify any areas that need improvement. The debrief is also a good time to celebrate the team’s accomplishments and to discuss what went well. By taking the time to debrief with the team, you can ensure that the team building activity is a success. More importantly, to help ensure that the team learns from the experience. All of our options include a proven debriefing process as part of the package.

Pitfall #7: Not following up after the activity

Finally, it is important to follow up with the team after the activity is complete. This is a good time to check in with the team to see how they are doing. You can also check if they have any further questions. It is also a good time to ask the team for feedback on the activity. You can use this to identify any areas that need further improvement.

Virtual team building pitfalls – conclusion

The above 7 pitfalls are by no means the only ones to avoid. However, avoid these 7 and your event is in with a very good chance of being a great success!

Contact

Global Team Building offers a great variety of activities that can help you turn a virtual get-together into a successful online event. And we will offer all the guidance and help you need to maxmize your positive outcomes from the event. We’ll certainly help you avoid these virtual team building pitfalls! Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services and activities.