Team Development is Personal Development
Team development is important in our personal lives and our professional lives. We spend so much time together here.
We need to be able to get along. Then we need to translate those relationships into the office. This allows us to depend on each other, and work together to come up with a good and strong product.
How we Do Team Development
We have activities on a quarterly basis here at Development One. We’ve done everything from Segway tours of architectural neighborhoods to beach cleanups. Our team development activities have been quite successful. We go to lunch together a lot. Dinner and have parties together also happen on occasion. There are also other activities like artificial skydiving and rock climbing as well.
Additionally, we provide services in the aviation area. For example, last year we had an event where the team got flight suits. We gave free flights to people that were attending the air show at Fullerton Airport. Not only did we help them and we give them rides, but we also took their photographs. We took their photographs with the entire team. Everybody loved that activity.
Our Team Development Evolution
Team development has evolved here at Development One. We used to do nothing. Over time, we came to realize that we needed activities. This helped us get to know each other on a personal basis and on a professional basis. It came as a surprise to us there isn’t much of a separation between the two.
You need to interact outside of your cubicle at the office. Team development means getting to know each other. It is important to determine each other’s personality, preferences, and strengths. The best way to do that is to go out and do activities together.
Other Tools and Techniques
We do personality tests here at the office, too. There is no right or wrong on what your personality. We do the tests to determine what we can expect from each person. What we can tap into that will be a strength and an asset for the firm.
It also helps to realize whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. There’s value to being both. The strengths that come from each personality is important for us. Team development is knowing what each person requires to recharge. Some introverts recharge by being quiet, on their own, and taking 15 minutes to themselves. Extroverts recharge being around people. We need to consider and understand these things at the office. The only way for us discover and understand is through team development. It is critical at this firm.
It Comes Down to Core Values
We balance team development and individual development. It is not that complicated because we spend so much time here. We get to know each other on a personal and professional basis. When people start work here, they need to be able to embrace our core values. The core values are the DNA of the firm and that determines whether you’re a good fit or not. If you buy into the core values they will reflect in both your professional and personal life. So, it is key for an employee to embrace our core values here at Development One.
