Making Team Building Meaningful: Beyond Trust Falls and Icebreakers

We’ve all experienced team-building activities that felt like a waste of time—whether it was an awkward trust fall, a tedious ropes course, or an expensive offsite with little to show for it. But when done right, team-building can create lasting impact, build trust, and improve the way teams work together.

In this episode, originally recorded in 2022, we revisit key insights on making team building meaningful, purposeful, and effective—and update our reflections based on today’s workplace realities.

The Four Biggest Team Building Mistakes

Before we get into what makes great team building, let’s look at the most common pitfalls:

1. Team Building Feels Like a Waste of Time

Everybody who gets the invite in their calendar for a team-building day is wondering: Is this going to be a waste of time? — Brian

One of the biggest concerns about team building is whether it actually provides value. It can feel pointless if the purpose isn’t clear or if activities don’t directly impact how a team works together.

Takeaway: Ensure your team-building activities have a clear goal and are directly connected to your team’s work and culture.

2. Leaders Don’t Know Where to Start

When you don’t know where to begin, you just say, ‘Okay, how do we get a trust fall in here?’ — Linda

Many leaders struggle to design activities because they don’t know what their team needs. Efforts can feel random and ineffective without understanding their specific challenges, strengths, and goals.

Takeaway: Start with a clear purpose—what outcome do you want? Improved communication? Stronger relationships? Increased collaboration? Define this first.

3. No Accountability for Change

The fear is that the person organizing this is going to have to do all the work to keep the change going. — Brian

Too often, team-building happens, but nothing actually changes. Without accountability, teams fall back into old patterns, and the time (and money) spent is wasted.

Takeaway: Follow up after activities. Assign action items, continue conversations, and make sure learning is embedded into daily work.

4. Change Doesn’t Stick

I need this to be sustainable… I want something that will last beyond the day of the event. — Linda

A single offsite or activity won’t transform team culture overnight. Real team building happens consistently over time, not just once a year.

Takeaway: Build in ongoing opportunities for connection—through structured discussions, shared experiences, and regular check-ins.

The Three Keys to Effective Team Building

How do you make team building actually work? Based on our years of research and client work, here are three key elements that make a difference.

1. Have a Clear Strategy

Team development isn’t a strategy. It’s part of a larger strategy. — Brian

Great team building is intentional. It aligns with organizational goals, connects to long-term priorities, and happens over time—not just in isolated events.

Action Step: Ask yourself: Where does team development fit into our overall strategy? Make sure your efforts are part of a bigger picture.

2. Use Research-Based Methods

We’ve worked with thousands of teams, and every single one is different. You need to understand what your specific team needs. — Linda

Effective team building is grounded in data and research—whether that’s understanding team dynamics, using proven engagement strategies, or adapting best practices to fit your unique culture.

Action Step: Before planning activities, gather insights on your team. What are their biggest challenges? What strengths do they bring? Use this information to create targeted experiences.

3. Customize It to Your Team

The best solutions are not off-the-shelf—they’re designed for your team’s specific needs. — Nathan

Just like a one-size-fits-all training won’t work for every employee, generic team-building activities won’t address specific team challenges. The best experiences are custom-designed to reflect your organization’s values and dynamics.

Action Step: Be intentional about your design. Consider your team’s unique work environment, challenges, and goals when planning activities.

Reflections on Team Building in 2025

Since we first recorded this conversation, a few things have changed about how teams work together. Here are four reflections on today’s team dynamics:

1. Hybrid & Remote Work Is Here to Stay
   ➝ Team building must be more flexible and intentional—random virtual happy hours won’t cut it.
2. Employees Expect More From Their Workplaces
   ➝ People want purpose, belonging, and well-being. Team building must contribute to these things.
3. Team Building Is an Ongoing Process, Not an Event
   ➝ The best teams integrate development into daily work—not just once a year.
4. Investing in Your Team is a Retention Strategy
   ➝ Engaged teams stay longer, perform better, and contribute more meaningfully.

Take Action: Improve Your Team Building Today

As you think about your approach to team building, here are a few key questions to consider:

• Are we creating consistent opportunities for connection and development?
• Do our team-building efforts align with our organization’s strategy?
• Are we adapting to hybrid or remote work realities?
• How can we use team-building as a tool to improve retention?

Investing in your team pays off—in engagement, satisfaction, and long-term success.

Need help designing meaningful team-building experiences? Connect with us to start building a stronger team today!