A few days ago we received this question from a senior manager: “Should I also participate in team building with my colleagues”?
On the one hand, the concern was whether the manager’s participation would not distort the group dynamics. And on the other hand, there was concern about maintaining authority. Imagine if he fooled himself.
I understand his question. We’ve been there too. The manager who absolutely wants to lead “his” team to victory. The manager who leaves no room for creativity and input from other team members. The person in charge who goes to work in a very observant manner – often at the expense of the enjoyment of colleagues. The boss who has a hard time accepting that he is physically weaker than one of his employees.
Fortunately, these stereotypes are the exception rather than the rule.
What is the role of the manager during team building?
The best results in team building are achieved when the manager, on the one hand, values the group moment (team building is a business instrument) and, on the other hand, sets a good example by getting the more reserved colleagues to join in the group dynamics.
Should the manager now participate in the team event?
A question that we as an event agency do not have a ready answer to, because the answer depends on the management style.
There is a big difference between the manager who has a strong hierarchical attitude and derives his legitimacy from his official job title or the size of his office and the manager who works in a participatory manner and sees himself as part of his team.
We are curious about your experiences.