My team is predominately male…12 men +3 female. The males tend to exclude or not value the input of the females.. not only that but independence is not encouraged among the males. Meaning that there are about three really dominant ones in the group who tend to be able to maintain a status quo type of environment where the other males play a lesser role. We were finally able to eliminate one of overly aggressive males. We would like to have a team building day, what types of activities would you suggest?

The Team Doc Says…

I’m not real fond of “team building days.” I’ve seen way too many of these fail to meet the expectations of the team to build on the experience and move forward.

Where is your team leader? Does this person not recognize what is happening in the team? Or are they turning a blind eye to the team whose dynamics have become dysfunctional?

Not having a strong team leader in this type of situation doesn’t help your team move forward. What would probably work for your team is to hold a series of workshops — about two hours each — to clarify roles, communication methods, and conflict resolution techniques.

The key is for each team member to rediscover that the team is focused on a common goal and that it takes each and every one of you to achieve that goal.

Focus the workshops on shared outcomes. To ensure that each team member participates, use a structured process. This could involve “brainwriting” where each person puts their thoughts on paper or a one-minute each round robin so every team member has a chance to contribute. Make sure you identify how each person contributes to the team and how each team members role is dependent upon others for the team to be successful.

It may be wise for your team to hire an outside team facilitator as you begin the process of building your team into a cohesive unit. If that is not doable, find a team leader from another team that could come in and perform this role for you.